Betty Ann Mackeben , age 94, and life-long resident of Stockton, IL passed away with family by her side at Winn Prairie Assisted Living Facility, Freeport, IL, on December 29, 2024.  She was born in the family farmhouse just outside of Woodbine, IL on April 29, 1930.  The daughter of the late John and Anna Jones, Betty learned strength, devotion and love from being raised on the farm with four older brothers. Betty married her high schoollove, Clifford Mackeben, on February 10, 1952.  They were graduates of the Stockton High School Class of 1948.

Betty's life was centered around love for family, and friendships. Her love for "Cliff" never wavered over 68 years of marriage.  She missed him immensely after his passing in 2020.  Together they raised four children, travelled the country visiting all fifty states, and built many friendships in Stockton.  They established a second community of friends having spent winters in Myrtle Beach, SC for 25 years.  For many years, she and Cliff were an active team in many euchre and bridge card clubs around town.  It's safe to speculate they were considered champions of the once very active bridge club of Stockton!

Following high school graduation Betty attended hair salon school in Rockford, IL earning her credentials in hair styling.  From the early 1950's until retiring in 1992 she maintained an in-home beauty salon, servicing many Stockton residents.

Betty is survived by her children, Joan Lee Mackeben of Franklin, TN, David Mackeben of Sycamore, IL, Dan (Karen)Mackeben of Lodi, CA, Cathy (Butch) Magee of Stockton.  Grandchildren, Mark Mackeben, Melanie (Chris) Stearns, Ben (Cora) Magee, Anna (Alex) Goulart, Dylan Mackeben, and great-grandchildren Audrey and Anthony Goulart, Grant and Colin Stearns, and Owen Magee, whose sister will be born in April 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers, Lester, Kenneth, Gerald ("Bud"), and Delmar.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Hermann Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.