Jenean Edna Betz, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 8:01 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois.
Jenean was born July 24, 1937, in Kewanee, Illinois, the daughter of Elmer William and Gladys Hazel (Ouart) Witte. Growing up, Jenean lived on the farm with her family and was always proud of the hard work she put in helping around the farm. She graduated from Annawan High School in 1955 and later married Donald Carl Betz on February 16, 1957, at St. Peters Evangelical Church in Kewanee. Their 64-year marriage brought two children, Michelle (Ron) Carrothers of Dunlap, Illinois, and Michael (Kendra) Betz of Knoxville, Illinois; two grandsons, Jacob (Ashli) Betz of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and Justin Betz of Knoxville; and her beloved grand dog, Skittles. Donald preceded Jenean in death on November 8, 2021. Jenean is also survived by a sister, Mildred Foes of McHenry, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Tony VanHyfte of Atkinson, Illinois; and a sister-in-law, Cherie Witte of Annawan, Illinois, along with many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and husband, Jenean was preceded in death by a brother, Gale Witte; a sister, Ruth Ann VanHyfte; brother-in-law, Gerald Foes; and close family friends, Everett and Velma Krause.
After Jenean and Don were married she worked at the telephone company. After children came along, Jenean became a devoted homemaker and dedicated volunteer. In her later years she worked for a time at Hickory Farms and Walgreens. She was a faithful and active member of Faith United Methodist Church in Galesburg, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School, volunteered with funeral luncheons, served on the Finance Committee, was active in Elizabeth Circle, and United Methodist Women. While the children were in school, she served on the PTO and volunteered at the library at Hitchcock and Lincoln schools. Jenean was a longtime volunteer and friendly face in the gift shop at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, working every Monday and Friday for many years, donating over 10,000 hours of her time. She was a 61-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and could be found every Memorial Day weekend selling poppies for a fundraiser.
Jenean and Donald were always giving of their time, driving many church members and friends to out-of-town doctor appointments. Often called the card lady, Jenean remembered every occasion and would send a handwritten card. A proud Mom and Grandma, Jenean could always be found at every one of her children’s and later grandchildren’s events. She loved to spend time in the kitchen cooking for all. The family would like to thank Jenean’s caregiver, Helen Medina, for her love and support.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Additional visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon Friday, December 19, 2025, at Faith United Methodist Church, Galesburg, where her funeral services will be held at noon. Pastor Karna Peterson will officiate. Jenean will be laid to rest next to her husband at Wataga Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations be directed to Faith United Methodist Church, 876 E. Knox St., Galesburg, IL 61401, or Galesburg Rescue Mission, 547 N Farnham St., Galesburg, IL 61401.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
