Betty Louise (née Garrison) Steinke, 89, of Sterling, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at CGH Medical Center.

Betty was born December 5, 1936 in Oakland, Illinois, to Clarence and Flossie (née Schwartz) Garrison. She graduated from North Boone High School in Poplar Grove, Illinois in 1954, and went on to attend Illinois State University, earning her teaching certificate.

After a brief time living in St. Petersburg, Florida, she returned to Illinois and taught elementary school in Tampico, Rock Falls (Montmorency), and Genoa-Kingston.

She met the love of her life, Charles Steinke, and they were married in 1963. Betty was his steadfast supporter and source of encouragement as he pursued ministry, including his seminary studies in Fremont, Nebraska. While he was a student, she continued teaching there until the birth of their first child, Matthew.

Throughout Charles’ ministry, Betty faithfully served alongside him, sharing in his calling and supporting the life they built together. Their journey took them to churches across Illinois, including Joliet, Golden, Elk Grove Village, Harvard, Sterling, Peoria, Sycamore, and Rockford. In retirement, they returned to Sterling, where they made their home.

Betty’s life centered on her family. While she carried the grief of losing her firstborn (age 17 months), she was blessed with three more children. She was a devoted wife, mother—cheerleader, organizer, and steady presence—always putting her family first, and loving unconditionally.

She found joy in oil painting, interior design, and took pride in her extensive cookbook collection. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, and valued the many friendships she built over the years in the communities where she lived. One of her behind-the-scenes gifts was her ability to connect with people one-on-one. Through countless phone calls and quiet conversations, she offered encouragement, support, and care—creating a personal ministry that touched many lives.

Survivors include her children, Dawn (Greg) Zeigler, Paul (Natalie Cruse) Steinke, both of Sterling, and Katherine (Bob Motz) Steinke of Rock Island; her sister, Mary Ellen Heren of Morris, Illinois; grandchildren Gabe (Zaina) Zeigler of Des Moines, Iowa, Amy Zeigler, of Iowa City, Iowa, Wade (Eva) Garrison, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Grace Steinke, of Normal, Illinois, Luke Steinke, of Verona, Wisconsin, great-grandson, George Garrison of Minneapolis, and beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews and sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and their son, Matthew.

Betty will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family. Her life was one of steady love, kindness, and faithful service. Her family wishes to express appreciation to her wonderful caregivers that attended to her over the last several years of her life, as well as staff at Morningside Assisted Living Center and CGH Medical Center.

Visitation will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sterling, Illinois on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 2-4 pm. Funeral service will be at the Oakland Christian Church, Oakland, Illinois on Monday, April 20, 2026 at noon, with a graveside service and lunch following.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com