Betty Ruth Lipe Tester, age 92, of Granite City, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis, MO. Betty was born on August 24, 1930 in Granite City, IL, a daughter of the late John Thomas Keel and Nannie (Sebastian) Perigen.
Betty was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and a dear friend to many. In her younger years, Betty worked as a licensed beautician out of her home. She then went to work for the Nooter Corporation in St. Louis, MO., as a telephone operator for many years. Betty was a talented organist who enjoyed playing at her church, First Church of the Nazarene in Granite City, IL. She also enjoyed going bowling with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren. Betty loved life, she loved to laugh, but most of all she loved her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Elbert Lipe Jr.; second husband, Joel Tester; her son, Michael Wayne Lipe; two sisters, Bernice Shuff and Mildred Stengel; and by one brother, Lonnie Keel.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Constance (Sharon Fitelson) Petzall of Wentzville, MO and Jody (Dave) Batson of Granite City, IL; stepdaughters, Patti (Roger) Lanz, Pam (Jeff) Germer and Bev (Tom) Nance; siblings, Hattie Beauchamp, Dorothy (Ron) Bailey and Ron (Jane) Perigen; proud grandmother to Erich (Denise) Petzall, Lucas Batson and Brooke Batson; proud great-grandmother to Josephine Rose Petzall, Genevieve Sarah Petzall and Wesley James Petzall; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In celebration of her life, a visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL, with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, IL.
Memorial Donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
