Elizabeth A. Joutras

Elizabeth A. “Betty” Joutras

Nee: Forristal

Age 92, went home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2025 after many long and courageous battles.

Elizabeth was born on November 18, 1932 in Peru, IL to Vincent and Betty (Healy) Forristal. She attended Holy Angels School and Madonna High School until her junior year and finished her senior year at St. Francis Academy in Joliet, where she moved after her mother remarried George C. Hester, who took the very important role in her life as her stepfather and friend. After graduation she worked as a secretary at Public Works, met and married the one and only love of her life, the late Robert L. Joutras, and soon started a family.

Elizabeth was a devoted Catholic and parishioner of St. Jude Parish. Her faith and family were a constant in her life. After her husband’s passing, she faced raising her youngest daughter Laura alone and every health struggle with determination and faith. She knew God would see her through every tribulation. Elizabeth went back to work at Channahon Material Services and for the Catholic Diocese Tribunal of Joliet for 25 years, retiring in 2014. She enjoyed baking and was known for her beautiful shower, wedding, anniversary, and birthday cakes. It was a treat for each grandchild to pick out what birthday cake they wanted and she made it happen. Our mom taught us that faith is a gift to be treasured and the most important value in life. She will be truly missed! God bless you mom!

Preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert; parents and stepfather; brothers William Forristal and Michael Forristal; sisters Margaret (Elaine) Werrline, Rosemary Forristal and Kathy Forristal.

Survived by her sons, Robert “Mick” M. Joutras and James E. (Dawn)Joutras; daughters Kathleen M. (Michael) Geraghty and Laura A. (Donald) Argenta. Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Bradley Joutras, Heather Joutras, Nicole (Eric) Brown, Anthony (Gina) Joutras, Kathryn (JJ) Krupka, Jeffery Joutras, Molly (John) Thompson, Colleen (Lee Weir) Geraghty, Robert Argenta, Andrew (Jeannie) Argenta, Eric Argenta and Samantha Argenta. Proud great grandma to Mia, Marie, Michael Joutras; Amelia and Evelyn Krupka, Andrew, Caden and Elizabeth Argenta; Charlotte and Michael Thompson; Gavin Colvin and Greyson Joutras.  Also surviving are her siblings, George (Denise) Hester Jr.; Peggy (Rick) Wilson; Patty (Michael) Hester-Ayotte; Marybeth Fuoss; Christine-Sarah Hester plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Thank you to the many people who gave our mom such wonderful care at the Timbers, Our Lady of Angels, Heritage Woods and Lightways Hospice.

Funeral and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home.