Betty Petrie

Betty Petrie, 97, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on May 21, 2025.  Betty was born on May 12, 1928, in Rockford, IL, to Charles and Flay Lane, and was the eldest of three children. Betty enjoyed a wonderful life in the small town of Fort Atkinson, WI in the ‘30's and ‘40's.

In high school, Betty began corresponding with a lonely GI, Ron (Ronnie) Petrie, who was stationed in post-war Japan. Even before they met face-to-face through their many letters they fell in love. Ronnie returned to the stateside, and within a day took a Greyhound and finally met his Beautiful Betty; shortly thereafter he was her Senior Prom date and in early October 1946 they were married. For a time, they worked together in Ronnie's family's “Petrie's Milk-Station” on Kishwaukee Street. Petrie's was the place for homemade ice cream and hamburgers, but as three children came along, new jobs and a new house were needed.

Betty eventually started working at Swedish American Hospital, staying there until her retirement. She loved her job, her many friends, shopping in the gift shop, and having Ronnie come every Wednesday to join her for lunch. Retirement was a wonderful thing for the two of them. They enjoyed daily walks on the Bike Path, fishing trips to Arkansas and Wisconsin, springtime camping and hiking trips to Big Bend National Park in Texas, getting together with family, and keeping in touch with all her family and friends.

Throughout Betty’s life, from high school years on, she made lasting friendships. People just liked Betty, and she liked all of them back. Even in life’s ups and downs, Betty and Ronnie's marriage was just as full of love and devotion as it was in 1946. She took great joy and delight in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Till her last months, Betty watched every cooking program and experimented with countless recipes. She loved her home, making it a warm and cozy retreat.

Betty Petrie was a lovely gentle woman who relished and appreciated the simple things in life. She was endlessly generous with her kindness, thoughtfulness, and warmth.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Roanna Gallina; her sons, Howard Petrie and Patrick (Kathy) Petrie; cherished grandchildren, Jessica Hammer, Anthony Gallina, Danielle Young, and Cori Livingston-Comer; as well as many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Ronnie; her parents; sister; brother; and grand-nephew.

Our gratitude goes out to Northern Illinois Hospice Care, nurses Drew and Ana, and Home Instead, especially Tracy and Elva, for their care and assistance in Betty’s final days.  Betty was also extremely fond of her very special helper, Naomi and Naomi’s lovely family.

Per Betty’s wishes, in lieu of flowers or service, her family will be traveling to Big Bend National Park in Texas for a private Celebration of Life.

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