SPRINGFIELD, IL – Betty Jean Stecker, 88, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2020, in her home, surrounded by her family, who loved her dearly. Betty had many nicknames: Mom, Mommy, Grandma, Gma, GG, Gemes, Betty Boop and Golden Grahams, each of which represented the special and personal bond we had with her. To Betty, her family was her life. She gave freely and loved unconditionally. She was a hero to all.

Betty was strong, sweet and sassy. She taught us all the value of family, and what unconditional love looks like. Her legacy is fierce, and lives on in her children, their children, and their children's children, for which we are eternally grateful. The qualities of that legacy are what give us strength now, to accept the waves of grief, but still move on without her.

Betty enthusiastically expressed her love through her amazing cooking. Her one-of-a-kind award-winning recipes were compiled by her children, and made into a cookbook that we all cherish and use regularly. Our family has a tendency to shine, and for us, it started with Betty. She believed in herself, and in all of us.

Betty loved to dance, and was so adorable when she did. We all know she's dancing right now, with all of the loved ones who've been waiting for their lucky day to see her again. Her passion for life shone through, in her beautiful sparkling blue eyes and her huge smile. She loved to laugh...sometimes until she cried. We loved that, and her.

As a matter of fact, anyone who met Betty, loved her. She was strong willed and loyal. Betty supported her five children by working at LaBonte's Luggage and Gifts, followed by 18 years of service at BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. She was, historically, the most beloved receptionist at BlueCross BlueShield, leaving impossible shoes to fill when she retired, hence, a replacement was never hired. Her amazingly sweet but professional ways set the standard for advanced automation after she retired. True story.

Betty was born in Louisiana, Missouri on April 13, 1932, to James Lemon and Minnie Etta (Crook) Ruffin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Timothy Stecker; brothers, James Monroe Ruffin and Benjamin Carroll Ruffin and the father of her children, Paul C. Stecker.

She is survived by her children, Wrenda (Dick) Waters, Timothy (Olga) Stecker, Paula (Mark) Keller, Terry L. Stecker and Lee Ann (Archer) Logan; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. In accordance with CDC guidelines, only 50 individuals will be allowed in at one time. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home with Reverend Stan Summers officiating. There is a limit of 50 attendees. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery near Buckhart.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: National Lymphedema Network, American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.