Betty Jean Onstott

Betty Jean Onstott, age 89, of Newton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 5:55 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Cumberland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, surrounded by her family.

Private graveside services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Iola Cemetery, Iola, Illinois with Mike Durre officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iola Cemetery or donor’s choice.

Betty was born on October 13, 1936, in Cumberland County, Illinois, the daughter of Rufus L. Ingram and Lucille Harris Ingram. Betty was united in marriage to Ronald Eugene Onstott, on June 10, 1961, in Effingham County, Illinois. She was raised and attended school in Effingham. She and Ron made their life together in Iola, Illinois. Betty was a dedicated housewife and mother. She also worked as a cook at the Iola grade school and later North Clay High School. She was a member of the Iola Baptist Church. She enjoyed being outdoors, working in her yard and garden which included a bountiful strawberry and blackberry patch. She loved to time on the porch, watching the birds, especially hummingbirds. She enjoyed attending draft horse pulls to watch and support Ron in what he loved doing. She was a master quilter and hand quilted hundreds over the years. Betty enjoyed the simple things in life and never wanted for anything. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. She never turned them down for a game of marbles and always made sure they had all of the French toast, sliced and peeled tomatoes, and homemade sweet pickles they could want.

Betty is survived by three daughters, Lori McGrady (Tim) of Hillsboro, Indiana, Lisa Yaw (David) of Newton, Illinois, Julie Jackson (Cory) of Newton, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Baily Beasley (Sam), Audrey McGrady and Clayton McGrady (Hattie), Dylan Johnson (Sam) and Taylor Johnson (Jason Kenter), Shelby Biggs (Shelton) and Cole Jackson (Jessie Overton), five great-grandchildren, Lilly Johnson, Hazel Beasley, Parker Kenter, Levi and Violet Biggs, and one on the way; three bonus great-grandchildren, Mack and Luke Ruholl and Ellie Overton.

Betty was preceded by her husband; her parents; three brothers and one sister.