Bette O'Connell
February 18, 1934 — July 9, 2013
Bette B. O’Connell, 79, of Peoria, passed away at 3:42 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2013, at Northwoods Community Church in Peoria, with Pastor Cal Rychener officiating. A brief post service visitation will be held at the church.
Bette was born on February 18, 1934 in DeKalb, the daughter of Harold and Ebba (Collin) Beghtol. She married Lee O’Connell on February 19, 1955 in Peoria. He survives.
She is also survived by her son, Daniel (Shelley) O’Connell of Peoria; daughter, Kerry (Martin) Redshaw of Monticello; granddaughters, Katie (Mike) Schmitt, Jenny (Pete) Smidt, and Megan and Erin O’Connell; and great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Jacob Schmitt.
Bette was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Bradley University, Peoria Country Club, the Landings Club in Savannah, GA and the IVY Club. She was one of the original puppeteers in Peoria. She volunteered for Easter Seals and Lakeview Museum and was the picture lady at Northmoor School.
Bette loved sharing time with friends and family. She was a great cook and gardener. She enjoyed playing “non-bridge” bridge with her gal friends, having dinner parties and spending time with her friends in Savannah. She played golf, tennis and enjoyed sailing on the Illinois River and in the Caribbean. She was a nationally known buyer for the pro shop at the Clubs at River City.
Her family is very thankful for the good friends who would take her to various activities during the day.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bette’s memory to the Northwoods Community Church 15:8 Building Fund.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
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