Arlington Heights, IL - Betty B. Launer, born February 12, 1938, in Crawford County, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025.

Betty grew up on the Burton family farm with her parents, Loren Burton and Grace (née Taft) Burton, and her siblings, Kenneth, Darlene, and Ann. The values she learned on the farm—hard work, gratitude, and devotion to family—would guide her throughout her life.

A gifted student, Betty graduated as valedictorian of her class at Seneca High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Luther College, followed by a Master's in Education from the University of North Carolina, where she was honored as a Ford Foundation Fellow in the Fifth Year Program in Teacher Education. She began her career teaching high school English in Freeport, Illinois, before moving to the Chicago area to start what became a distinguished career with the federal government, including 34 years with the Social Security Administration.

For more than 45 years, Betty was a dedicated resident of Mount Prospect and played an active role in her community. She served a total of 19 years on the Board of Education for Mount Prospect Elementary School District 57, where her daughter Anita attended, taking on leadership roles in the Finance, Negotiations, and Policy Committees. She also served on the Village of Mount Prospect's Fire and Police Board, the Village's Arts Council, and as a trustee of the Board of the Mount Prospect Cultural Trust Cooperative. In recent years, Betty made her home in Arlington Heights, where she lived for the past nine years and continued her commitment to community and faith.

Betty's faith was central to her life. A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights since 1977, she joyfully participated in the choir, led numerous Bible study groups, engaged in women's ministries, and served as an Elder. Her steadfast faith and generous spirit enriched all who knew her.

Beyond her professional and community accomplishments, Betty found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved to read, go shopping, try new restaurants and revisit old favorites, visit with friends, and most of all, spend cherished time with her family. Her warmth, curiosity, and appreciation for everyday moments touched all who spent time with her.

She is survived by her daughter, Anita Ekman (Steve); her stepson Jeffrey (Rebeca) Launer; daughter-in-law Kris Launer; grandchildren Bryan (Emily), Aubrey, and Sarah; and great-granddaughter Charlotte. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Witold; her parents; her siblings Ken Burton, Ann Loken, and Darlene Radel; sister-in-law Mary Burton; her stepchildren Paul Launer and Elizabeth Launer; as well as many other family members and friends.

Betty will be remembered for her intellect, her servant leadership, her deep faith, and the kindness she shared so readily. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her family, career, community service, and church.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.