Betty Davito

Betty Lee Davito

(nee Guardia)

Age 89 of Coal City, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday February 4, 2015 at her home.

Born June 16, 1925 on the Guardia farm in Braceville, BettyLee Elizabeth was a daughter of the late Leno "Leo" and Edith (Menietto) Guardia. She was raised and educated in the Braceville Public Grade School and graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School. After high school, Betty worked several secretarial and clerical jobs which included, Coal City Grain Elevator, Warner Brothers in Chicago, US Rubber and McGraw Construction. In January of 1945 she went on to further her education at the University of Illinois in Urbana, where she studied until June of 1947. During those years she would also return home in the summer to work at the Joliet Arsenal, which turned into a full time position until 1952. On June 4, 1949, Betty married Joseph Davito in Assumption Catholic Church. She enjoyed being a homemaker after leaving the arsenal and spent the remainder of the 1950's and most of the 1960's raising her family. It was in 1969 that Betty's career as an educator began in Braceville, where she was a secretary and taught art. In 1970 she began attending Joliet Junior College and then moved on to Lewis University, where she earned her Bachelor's of Science in Education in 1975. Mrs. Davito taught 3rd grade in Minooka until 1977, when she moved over to Channahon grade school to teach 4th grade until her retirement in 1988. Betty was an active member of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, where she sang in the choir and was a member of The Martha's. She was a 4-H Leader for 10 years, and enjoyed flower gardening, crafts, sewing and canning. Betty loved drawing from an early age and loved oil painting and china painting, many of which were on display in her home. She took pleasure in garage sales and auctions, had a passion for music, and could often be found dancing where ever the music was played and the opportunity presented. A woman proud of her Northern Italian heritage, Betty made memories during her trips to Italy. She was known for her bagna cauda parties and polenta, and will be remembered for her love of entertaining. Betty lived life to the fullest, was a mentor to all ages, and leaves the legacy of being truly a 'jack of all trades', who was always willing to try anything.

Survivors include her children: Lee J. Davito of Bloomington, Kimberly K. Reilly of Shorewood, Terry J. Davito of Bloomington and Joseph D. (Jill) Davito of Island Lake; three grandchildren: Casey Reilly of Shorewood and Joey and Jenna Davito of Island Lake; one sister June McLuckie of Coal City; one step-brother Kenneth Berta of Seattle, Washington; her brother-in-law: William Davito of Joliet; sister-in-law Betty Maland of Coal City; numerous nieces and nephews, including Carol Young of Shorewood, who was like a daughter to Betty, and her lifelong friend and dear companion Jack Heavens of Coal City.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joseph on July 17, 2001, her step-sister Dorothy Hulbert and nephew Billy McLuckie.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday February 8, 2015 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Monday morning February 9th at 10:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 245 South Kankakee Street in Coal City, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Betty will be laid to rest with her late husband Joseph.

Pallbearers will be: Lee Davito, Terry Davito, Joseph Davito, Jerry McLuckie, Danny Davito and Jimmy Viano.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Betty's memory to the Will Grundy Center for Independent Living, 2415-A West Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60435 (http://will-grundycil.org/our-centers/donate/) or to the Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)