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.
| Zan Ransburg |
Mrs. |
July 14, 2013 |
Lee and Family, Dave and I have been out of town and just returned today (Sunday) to hear of your tragic loss. Know we, along with our family, is thinking about you at your time of loss. Much love and Caring, Zan and Dave
| mike cohen ,savannah ga |
she will be missed |
July 12, 2013 |
i live in savannah ga had the great pleasure of knowing Lee very well.enjoyed when he came into my golf shot ,had the pleasure of meeting his wife once at the landings.i know how much she will be missed by her family and Lee.my prayers and thoughts are with you and the family
God bless her and Lee
mike cohen
savannah,ga
| Jean Currie |
Sympathy |
July 12, 2013 |
My deepest sympathy on your loss. She was always so nice to all of us employees whenever she saw us.
Jean Currie-aqua instructor-The Clubs at River City
| Hal and Linda Duensing |
We'll miss our Sunday breakfast |
July 11, 2013 |
As part of the Savannah folks that know Lee and Bette, we will miss her smile and our Sunday's after church at the Omlette Inn. Bette was a wonderful lady, we'll miss her at our various social gatherings. Our thoughts are with Lee at this time.
Hal and Linda Duensing
| Steve Hoehne |
Rest in Peace |
July 11, 2013 |
I was sorry to hear of Bette's passing. I and my family lived next door to Harold and Ebba in West Peoria. She had such a beautiful smile. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
