Betty D. Baltz

Betty D. Baltz (nee George), 99 years of Belleville, Illinois, formerly of Millstadt, Illinois, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Dammert Center of Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine in Belleville, Illinois. She was born January 14, 1925, in Berkeley, California. Betty attended University of California, Los Angeles. During this time, she met her husband Woodrow Baltz, who was stationed in California during World War II. She and Woodrow married on April 29, 1944, and spent an amazing 59 years together before his passing on August 3, 2004. Betty dedicated her life to supporting the various activities of her three children and five grandchildren while also being a gracious host for many friends. She was an avid reader of California history and National Parks, enjoyed canning garden-grown vegetables, and was a competitive swimmer, participating in the Senior Olympics. She was also a remarkable piano player and contract bridge player. Betty was a member of Zion Evangelical Church in Millstadt. Betty is survived by daughter Marilyn Baltz Eviatar; son John Baltz; son-in-law Robert Englebretson II; grandchildren Robert Englebretson III, Elizabeth Englebretson, Jacob (Diane) Baltz and Eric Baltz; great-grandchildren Brayden, Abiegail and Ethan Baltz, along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Woodrow, grandson Neal Baltz in September 2019, son-in-law Uri Eviatar in October 2022, and daughter Christine Englebretson in November 2023. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt, and on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at the Benedictine Living Community Chapel, 726 Community Dr, Belleville, Illinois 62223. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the Benedictine Chapel. Interment will follow in the Mount Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915; Millstadt Meals on Wheels, 102 South Jefferson Street, Millstadt, Illinois, 62260; or the Neal Baltz Memorial Scholarship Yavapai College Foundation, 1000 East Sheldon Street, Prescott, Arizona 86301. Or, please enjoy a good read of the latest National Geographic magazine or of John Muir’s impact on environmental preservation in her memory. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Benedictine Living Community for over 20 years of professional and loving care.

Betty D. Baltz

January 14, 1925 - May 27, 2024