Betty Lou Cartwright, 82, of Hoopeston, IL passed away at 10:36 A.M. Sunday, June 14, 2026, at her home. She was born April 1, 1944, in Boswell, IN, the daughter of Gerald “Jerry” and Opal (Smith) Gillen. She married Virgil Cartwright on November 13, 1965, in Boswell, IN. He preceded her in death in 2016.
She is survived by two sons, Chuck (Dawn) Nunan of Madison, IN and Joey (Elaine) Cartwright of Hoopeston, IL; two step daughters, Debbie Dawson of Milford, IL and Lisa (Gerald) Allen of Milford, IL; one step son, Bruce (Hangye) Cartwright; two sisters, Doris Andes of Fowler, IN and Barb Sabie of LaPorte, IN; one brother, Jerry (Jo) Gillen of Boswell, IN; twelve grandchildren, Kendra (Jefferson) Pike, Desi Martin (Justin Moore), Alex (McKensey) Nunan, Devin Cartwright-Seabaugh, Adam Cluver, Cody Cluver, Kori Cartwright, Kyle Allen, Nick Dawson, Stephanie Dawson, Andrea Luthy, and Zachary Martin; eleven great grandchildren, Nicholas, Lucas, Brody, Emma, Oliver, Jax, Avorie, Evelyn, Thomas, Peyton and Chance; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in -law, Mary and Bert Budreau; brother and sister- in - law, Jim and Stella Gillen; great grandson, Jackson Pike; and step daughter, Chris Cartwright.
Betty graduated from Boswell High School in 1962. She worked at Stokely’s for several years and later worked at ConAgra. She also did homecare, bartended at AMVETS in Fowler, and owned and operated B & J’s Restaurant. She was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, where she was a church board member. She was also a member of the CWF, VFW, and Women’s Auxiliary. Betty was a chaplain at the local AMVETS and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, Chuck Norris in Walker Texas Ranger, Mark Harmon in NCIS, Matlock, and the Young and the Restless. Most of all, Betty loved making memories with her great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 19, 2026, at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 502 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL with Pastor Judy Ridlen officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.
Memorials may be made in Betty’s memory to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 502 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942 or to the AMVETS.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Betty’s eternal tribute page and to send condolences to the family.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston, IL, is handling the arrangements.
