Bette Jo McCowan (nee Oster)

October 13, 1935 – June 8, 2024

Age 88, of Lockport, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, June 8, 2024.  Bette Jo was a long-time Lockport resident.

Bette Jo was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.  She had a gentle, kind, and compassionate disposition with a twist of a witty sense of humor.  She was an avid reader, and enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, playing bridge and pinochle, bowling, and working on needlepoint projects.  She attended as many of her grandchildren's sports and school events as she could.

Bette Jo was a graduate of Joliet Township High School class of 1953 and helped organize class reunions for more than 60 years.  She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Lockport, Lockport Woman's Club for more than 50 years, and Christian Women's Association.  First and foremost, Bette Jo was a loving mother and homemaker.  Over the years she worked at Fleischmann Distillery in Plainfield, Ludwig and Milne Grove Schools in Lockport as an aide, and Dellwood Tire in Lockport.

Preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Shogren; her parents John and Geneva (Grieve) Oster.

Survived by her loving children, Richard (Roberta) McCowan, Cathy (Oliver) Brandt, Don (Kathy) McCowan; six grandchildren, Melissa (Kyle Fraser) Brandt, Kevin and Keith McCowan, Jessica (Jimmy Erdmier) Larsen, Jordan and Tyler Shogren; son-in-law, Steve Shogren; and sisters Mae Ann Greenman and Geneva Jeanne (late Rollie) Cagwin.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Per Bette Jo's wishes, her body has been donated to Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois to be used for medical science research.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Wednesday, June 19, at 11:30 AM at the First Congregation Church of Lockport.  Beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of the service, family and friends may gather to share stories and memories of Bette Jo.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Bette Jo's memory to First Congregational Church of Lockport or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated.