Obituary of Betty J. Markgraf

Betty J. Markgraf (Lester)

November 30, 1930 – March 23, 2024

Betty passed away peacefully in Palm Harbor, Florida at age 93.

She was born and raised in Sparkman, Arkansas and moved to Joliet in 1951 when she married Jack Markgraf. Betty and Jack were married for 72 years, raising their family on Joliet’s east side. They moved permanently to Palm Harbor, Florida in 2018 where they had a home for many years.

Betty retired from Illinois Bell Telephone after 25 years of service and earlier had been active in parents’ clubs for the Joliet Grade School Band and the Joliet East High School Band. She always enjoyed a great dinner and cocktail at Syl’s in Rockdale and trips to Las Vegas and Aruba.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Pearl (Biddle) Lester, husband Jack (2022) and her brothers Jesse and Richard. She is survived by her children, John (Rita) Markgraf of St. Charles, IL., Judy (Jack) Querio of Collegeville, PA., and Janet, of Palm Harbor, Fl. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jason) Pedaci of Gladwyne, PA., Grant (Ashley) Markgraf of Elmhurst, IL. and great-grandchildren Delaney, Marlowe, Arden, and Wells Markgraf.

Private services will be accorded and handled by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home with interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park.