Betty Louise Boomgarden died at Maple Crest Nursing Home on March 21, 2006, following a long illness. Born April 17, 1926 in Belvidere, Illinois, Betty was the daughter of Anne Menge. Betty lived in Belvidere at the time of her passing and had previously lived with her husband Douglas in Rockford, and other homes in northern Illinois. She was active in various family business endeavors, including the operation of the family farms and Boomgarden Realty and Auction Service, a family endeavor in which her husband and each of her children worked at some point. Betty was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Belvidere, participating not only in worship activities, but also taking an active role in the Ladies Guild and the charitable activities of the Church's school. She loved children, treating each as her own, was an avid reader, and a nature lover. She journeyed through life with her beloved husband, Douglas Boomgarden, providing each other love and support through 59 years of marriage. Her children, her grandson, and her nieces and nephews were loved beyond words. Fortunate enough to travel extensively in her life, she made friends in many other states and countries, touching them with her sweet nature, her sense of humor, and her zest for life. Her daughter's husband and her sons' wives became her own children. Hers was and will remain a unique, sometimes mischievous, loving soul. Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Anne, by her sister, Marge, and by her son, Larry. She is survived by her husband, Douglas, by her children, Randall, Michael, and Cindy, their spouses, and her grandson, Alexander. She is also survived by a special friend of the family, Albert Kautz, who provided Betty and her family with loving support in the final years of her life.

Those who wish to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers may make a donation to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1045 Belvidere Rd., Belvidere, IL 61008. Donations made in Betty's name will be directed to the Kids of the Kingdom and Immanuel School Scholarship Funds, to benefit the children for whom she had so much love.