Elizabeth L. Swanson

Elizabeth Louise Swanson, 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 19, 2022. Betty Lou was born in Rockford, Illinois on August 12, 1938 and raised in Pecatonica, Illinois by her parents, Archie and Ina Eckburg.
Betty Lou grew up having “an ideal childhood” she’d say, on Homewood Farm playing with her cousins and siblings, riding horses, and spending a lot of time outdoors. She was a spunky child and her father nicknamed her “Bouncy-Boo-Bumps”. During high school she enjoyed participating in hilarious skits and pantomimes, the bubblegum-stuck-to-the-shoe being a favorite, and acquired an appreciation of Shakespeare which was sparked by her favorite English teachers.
Betty had a beautiful singing voice and sang at First Covenant Church of Rockford and Belvidere Covenant Church. She also enjoyed music at home, playing the piano, organ, and accordion.
A few years after high school Betty married Bernie Swanson and they had four children and raised them in Belvidere and Rockford. Betty had a variety of jobs in her working days. She enjoyed her work and delighted in telling her children spellbinding stories of the people and situations she encountered while working as a volunteer in the emergency room, as a store detective, and as a dispatcher for the security department of a college.
Betty had a fun-loving nature and quick wit and loved the chance to play pranks on her family, friends, or co-workers. Although she had an adventurous spirit, she didn’t get to travel as much as she would’ve liked. She took the opportunity of a lifetime when she joined her husband on a summer missions team to Alaska to help build a Christian high school in Unalakleet, Alaska. The experience was a highlight of her life and she talked of moving to Alaska one day.
In her later years Betty was quite interested in antiques and enjoyed a good long browse in the local antique and secondhand shops; finding a treasure she remembered from her childhood was a delight. When she was an older adult and couldn’t get out and about as much, she was compassionate to those around her who were struggling and would go above and beyond to help, putting their needs over hers.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Ina Eckburg. Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Millie Strong, and her brother, John (Cory) Eckburg. She will be loved and missed by her children Melody (Steven) Swanson, Doreen (Graham) Blaikie, Steve Swanson, and Lori (fiance Bruce Burkhart) Layman and her many grandchildren: Christine (Anthony) Kane, Tim (Beth) Swanson, Teresa (Ernesto) Anez, Amanda (Ian) McCreadie, Valerie Swanson, Jez Layman, Kayla (fiance Mike Nickon) Layman, Renee (Josh) Altmann, Joe and Nick Layman, Derek and Julia and Ryan and Jonathon Blaikie. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Adeline Taylor, Jack Berry, Connor McCreadie, Georgia Swanson, and Madden Nickon.

The family appreciates and thanks the Alden Debes staff for their kindness and care for Betty for the last two years
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their excellent personal care of Betty in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Croix Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.