Betty A. Dowd, 87, of Aledo, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.

She was born October 15,1938, in Keithsburg, IL, the daughter of Earl and Mae Rosene Luxmore. She married Robert Dowd on May 20, 1962, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg, IL.

Betty extended her education following high school to study radiology at Galesburg Cottage Hospital but was unable to complete the program due to illness. She became well known for making custom wedding cakes, as a seamstress including altering wedding dresses, working with her husband at B&B Wood Crafting and more recently as a homemaker. She enjoyed baking, quilting, and extensively studying her families' genealogy.

Those left to honor and cherish Betty's memory include her sons, Robert (Janella) Dowd of Louisville, KY, Donald (Anna) Dowd of Aledo, and David Dowd of Peoria; grandchildren, William Dowd, Bonnie Dowd, Brandon (Clair) Dowd, Benjamin "Ben" (Brittany) Dowd, Kaitlyn (Colton) Warner, Natalie Dowd, Austin Hageman, Kailee Dowd, Nathan Dowd and Karsyn Dowd; six great grandchildren; and sisters, Virginia Haun of Alexis and Delores Corbin of New Port Richey, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2003; and her sister Anita Hawbecker in 2001.

Join us in remembering and celebrating Betty's life during her funeral service at 12:00 PM Friday, February 27, at First Baptist Church in Aledo. A time of food and fellowship will immediately follow the service in the church hall. Interment will be private at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until service time at the church.

Memorials may be left to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Stead Family Children's Hospital at the University of Iowa.

Please share your love, memories and support with Betty's family on her Memorial Tribute site at www.NicholsBewley.com

Nichols Bewley Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Betty's family and arrangements.