Betty C. Ed

Betty was born on May 26, 1925 in Beardstown, IL, the daughter of Harry I. and Evelyn (Morrow) Fletcher. She married Donald (Don) D. Ed on May 29, 1943 in Washington, DC. Don preceded her in death on January 22, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Dara; her parents; her step-father, Dean Beemer; and her sister, Iris (Gene) Bloomfield.

She is survived by her son, Dave (wife, Connie) of Sherman, IL; three grandchildren, Christopher (wife Lisa) of Lakeville MN, Todd and Joshua Ed, both of Springfield; two great-grandchildren, Emmalyn and Alexander Ed; one brother, Donald (wife, Sue) Fletcher of Beardstown; and her dear friend, Ernie Prosperini of Springfield.

Betty was a 1943 graduate of Beardstown High School. Following graduation, she traveled to Washington, DC to marry Don. While there, she worked briefly in the main office of the FBI for J. Edgar Hoover. Following WWII, Betty and Don resettled in central Illinois and began family life. Betty was a devoted wife and mother - she spent most of her time as a homemaker, a loving mom and a tireless care provider for her special-needs daughter.

In 1951, she and Don, along with four other couples, founded Sparc- an organization devoted to the care of developmentally disabled individuals. From its humble beginnings, Sparc has today become the region’s premiere agency devoted to improving the lives of folks with special needs - an achievement Betty viewed with great pride. She was Sparc’s last surviving founder.

Betty lived a long and wonderful life. She selflessly devoted most of it to her family - for that we are forever grateful.

Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 North Amos Avenue, Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Christopher Trummer, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sparc, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.