Betty Lucille Kyler

Betty Lucille Kyler (Jacobs), age 103, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona, with her daughters by her side. Born on October 20, 1922, in Ridott, Illinois, Betty lived a good, long life marked by her loyalty to family and friends.

In her early years, she and her husband, Royal “Chuck” Kyler, owned and operated a small farm in McConnell, IL. She began her professional journey in Freeport, Illinois: first, at Burgess Battery; later, at Sears Roebuck. There, she dedicated twenty-five years of service until her retirement—an enduring reflection of her strong work ethic and commitment. When not at work, Betty and her husband travelled as much as they could with family and friends—camping in state parks across the country, exploring Mexico, and going wherever else life would take them.

Betty and her husband had four children together. First came Dennie and Trudie, and then, years later, Billie and Torrie (Sam). Together, they blessed them with 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. At any given time you could walk into her home and find countless photos of her “grandbabies” hanging on her walls and sitting on her bookshelves. She was proud of each and every one of them, and they all knew it. Betty was not only a loving mother and grandmother, she was also a devoted dog mom her whole life, most recently to Tiffy, whose ashes will be sprinkled with Betty.

A gifted knitter and crocheter, Betty created countless handmade pieces—from afghans and scarves to delicate doilies—that continue to be cherished by those who received them. Even days before her death, she crafted small knit hats to give to loved ones and caregivers. Over her lifetime she made countless hand towels, cross stitch pictures, ceramics, macrame projects, puzzles and more. When she wasn’t crafting or puzzling, she was playing games. In her 103 years, she played countless hands of euchre with friends, played bingo at church, and enjoyed playing dominoes at Senior Citizens meetings and with her grandchildren—who still play whenever they’re together today. Faith was also central to her life; she attended various Lutheran churches over the years, most recently, Christ Lutheran Vail Church in Vail, Arizona.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her daughter Trudie Beestrum and husband Pete; daughter Billie Kyler; daughter Torrie (Sam) Jordan and husband Greg; and daughter-in-law Mary Kyler. She leaves behind nine grandchildren—Robert Hayes, Eric Beestrum (wife, Molly), Kyle Beestrum, Brad Kyler, Caitlin Kyler (fiance, Chase Pomerich), Jessica Hutchison (husband, Zach Boehmke), Cody Hutchison, Melissa Jordan, and Amy Jordan—and four great-grandchildren: Damion Beestrum, Gabe Beestrum, Samara Beestrum, and Augustus (Auggie) Beestrum.

She was preceded in death by her husband Royal (Chuck) Kyler (2002) and son Dennis (Dennie) Kyler (2024). The family will be holding a private celebration of life for Betty. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A FALLEN LIMB

A limb has fallen from our family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes when we’re together again

-Author Unknown