Betty Ruth Voytko

Betty Ruth Voytko, 96, of Streator, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at The Arc of Streator. Born on May 30, 1929, in Channahon, Illinois, to Raymond E. and Domenica “Minnie” (Calusio) Hulbert, Betty grew up surrounded by family in the small community she loved.

She is survived by her son John (Heidi) Coop of Oswego, daughters Lynette (Paul) Wilson of California, Robbie (Richard Berg) Voytko of Germantown Hills, and Betty R. Groom of New York, along with 15 grandchildren—Heather, Haley, Arthur, Kelly, Matthew, Sarah, Nicole, Angie, Cody, Tony, Joshua, Aleesha, Cameron, Francesca, and Jeanne—and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Frank A. Coop, daughter Jeanne M. Conner, son-in-law Joseph J. Conner, grandson Ben Simpson, three brothers—Raymond J. Hulbert, Frank Hulbert, and Clinton L. Hulbert—and two sisters, Teresa R. Crawford and Charlene M. Johnson.

Betty cherished her childhood in Channahon, where she enjoyed roller skating, helping her father at his general store, and playing with her siblings and friends. She attended Minooka High School, graduating with honors, and discovered a lifelong passion for music and singing. A gifted musician like her father, she learned to play the organ by ear and performed in school minstrels and plays. After moving to Streator in 1963, she devoted herself to raising her family and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Above all, Betty’s family was the center of her world. She delighted in hosting large gatherings for birthdays and holidays, and her Thanksgiving dressing and Christmas fudge were family favorites. She loved traveling to visit her children and grandchildren, with a particularly meaningful trip to her mother’s birthplace in Northern Italy. An avid reader, she also enjoyed gardening, especially growing flowers, and creating her own recipes in the kitchen. Warm and welcoming, she was affectionately called “Ma” by her children’s friends and drew children to her with a natural gentleness. She will be remembered as a kind, loving, and generous soul who loved to laugh.