Elizabeth R. DiGusto

  Elizabeth R. “Betty” DiGusto, 102, of Streator passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

  Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 27th at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.

  Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the services at the church.

  Private burial will be in Lacon Cemetery in Lacon, Illinois.   Cremation rites have been accorded.

  Born March 28, 1923 in Toluca she was the daughter of Albert and Pearl (Rawley) DiGusto.

  She is survived by nieces and nephews, Fred Beck of Kirksville, Missouri, Steve (Emily) Beck of Portland, Oregon, Dave (Chris) Beck of Aurora, Colorado, Ben (Molly) Beck of Las Vegas, Nevada, Anne (Mike) Bryan of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Molly (Mike) Knapczyk of Lockport, Drew (Shawn Flanagan) Beck of Oxford, Iowa and Phil Beck of Carbondale; Jim (Darlene) Keegan of Bloomington, Tom (Peggy) Keegan of Indianapolis, Indiana, Tim Keegan of Peoria, Valerie (Tim) Godsill of Chillicothe, Jeanne (Tom) Conway of Peoria and Bob (Patti) Keegan of Germantown, Hills; numerous great nieces and nephews also survive.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and their spouses, Jeanne and Fred Beck and Anne and Vern Keegan; and nephews, Pat and Bill Keegan.

  She was raised in Lacon and attended Lacon Grade School and graduated from Mid County High School. 

  She lived in Lacon and Peoria working various jobs until locating to Streator in 1960.  She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator until accepting the position of Executive Director of the United Way in 1966.  She served as the Executive Director of Streator Area United Way for 47 years retiring in 2013.  United Way raised nearly 10 million dollars to support local social service agencies during Betty’s time as Director. 

  In addition to her service to the United Way Betty was very active in the Streator community.  She volunteered with the Engle Lane Theater, Streator High School Hall of Fame Committee and Red and White Club, Streator Kiwanis Club, St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, Streator High School Academic Team and the St. Mary’s Hospital Advisory Board.  She had a long tenure with all these organizations and served in several leadership roles within the groups.

  In 1997 Betty was awarded the Athena Award for her service to community.  She was honored for bringing together thousands of volunteers over the years and her volunteerism.

    Betty was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish where she volunteered her time after her retirement. 

  She had a lifelong love of all sports, always cheering teams on from the stands or the couch.  She was an avid fan of tennis, football, college basketball & especially loved cheering on the ILLINI. 

  Memorials may be directed to Streator Area United Way or Engle Lane Theater.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com

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