Elizabeth F. (Betty) Cooney, 86, of Decatur, Ill., formerly of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at Imboden Creek Living Center, Decatur.

She was born Oct. 20, 1921, in Purcellville, Va.
Betty moved to Decatur in 2004. She had been a resident of Port Charlotte since 1982, coming from her longtime residence in Bowie, Md. Betty was very active raising a family, and at various times, driving a school bus, waitressing and baking for a variety of people and organizations. She was especially active with the seniors in Port Charlotte doing woodworking, which she really enjoyed. She also was an avid and proud doll collector.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda L. Murphy, Mary Elizabeth Cooney, Diane Mary Piper, Rosemary Bridget McCabe and Mary Theresa Miller; grandchildren, Mary Granberry, Danny, Mike and Brian Murphy, Katherine Thompson, Melissa Bostic, Ryan and Casey McCabe, and Erin, Nicole, Maggie and Jill Murphy; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Edward A. Cooney; brothers, Undrel and Fred Stipe; and sisters, Myrtle Nichols and Leah Stripe.