Elizabeth E. Try

Heaven rejoiced in the homecoming of Elizabeth Eleanor Try, who passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026. Known to all as Betty, she was born in Rockford on October 13, 1945, to John and Elizabeth King, the youngest of their five children. She was raised in Rockford and proudly spent her life there. She attended Bishop Muldoon High School, where she formed lifelong friendships that endure to this day – friends who still gather regularly for dinners and cherished girls’ nights. On February 24, 1968, Betty married the love of her life, Carl Try, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rockford. Together they raised three children whom she loved with her whole heart: Renee (Tim) Smith of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Carl (Angela) Try of Chatham, Illinois, and Maria (Rodger) Anderson of Loves Park, Illinois.

For 30 years, Betty was the welcoming face of Alpine Bank on Alpine Road. If you banked there, you knew Betty. She was the smiling face that was genuinely happy to see you, took the time to ask about your family, and made sure each person received the help they needed. Before her banking career, she was also a friendly and familiar presence at The Hitching Post Western Store. Betty was a formidable bowler, earning the nickname “Queen of the Hill” at Park Lanes Bowling Alley in Loves Park during the 1960s. She was also a gifted ceramic artist, creating beautiful pieces that her children and family treasure today. Above all, she was known for her generous heart and spirit of service. She loved serving as a Girl Scout leader and volunteering in her children’s many activities. A devoted parishioner of St. Rita’s Catholic Church for over 50 years, she served faithfully as an extraordinary minister and greeter. Betty loved to travel and made countless wonderful memories on trips to Ireland, Hawaii, and destinations across the country – especially Las Vegas. These trips were particularly memorable because Betty had legendary luck with slot machines. The “luck of the Irish” followed her everywhere; she never walked away empty-handed – not even at Chuck E. Cheese, where her grandchildren always wanted to play with Grandma Betty because she won more tickets than anyone.

Her family was her greatest joy. Betty loved every moment spent cheering from the sidelines at countless softball, football, basketball, baseball, golf, cross-country, wrestling, speech, and track meets, always showing up with pride and enthusiasm. She is survived by her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren: Hannah (Justus) Nelson, Athena Try, Xander Try, Abby Smith, Isabella Anderson, Cassie Smith, Xavier Try, Sean Anderson, Finn Try, as well as her cherished great-granddaughter, Ella Nelson. She will also be deeply missed by treasured friends, Ann Peterson, Marcia Claybough, Dolly Affeld, and John and Cheryl Adamson. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Jack and Jim King, Colette Axelson, Monica Rivers, and lifelong friends Mick and Maddie Hudzinski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford, IL 61109 on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Fr. William Wentink and assisted by Fr. Brian Grady. A memorial visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns of Rockford, 2111 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61102.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth E. Try, please visit our floral store.