Betty Gayle Ortman, 77, of Washington, IL, passed away while a resident of Grandview Memory Care Center in Peoria, IL. She was the spouse and partner of Dale Ortman for over 56 years. Alzheimer's and the resulting dementia conditions was a nine year battle that was not winnable. If Betty's battle would have involved duplicate bridge, teaching, reading, or the loving care she gave her family and friends, she would have easily won. Dale and Betty met while students at University of Illinois where Betty majored in Ancient History and Latin Education. They married February 7, 1965, and had two beautiful sons, Steve and Jay. Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Bill, and her parents, Elray and Elaine Blake, formerly of Oak Park, Illinois. She was also preceded in death by Dale's parents, Kenneth and Martha Ortman formerly of Martinton, Illinois and an unborn granddaughter, daughter of Jay and Lainie Ortman, and her brother in law, Glenn Hoffman, husband of Marcia Ortman Hoffman. Betty leaves to cherish her memory her son, Steve, his wife Susie, and their children Blake and Maggie of Dunlap, IL. She will also be fondly remembered by her son, Jay, and his wife Lainie, and their children Liam (Ali), Aidan, and Brogan, all of San Antonio, TX....and you all know who her favorite was!! Betty was a champion duplicate bridge payer, she loved to dance, and, in her heart, was a teacher her entire life. As per Betty's wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral, and the family will have several private parties to celebrate her life at later dates. The family requests that there be no flowers, gifts of food, but a card of remembrance sent to the family home will be cherished forever. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to express their appreciation to the entire staff of Grandview Memory Care and Unity Point Hospice for their excellent care over the past years and would encourage their friends to make a donation to Grandview Association at 6210 N University, Peoria, Il, 61614.