Betty Jane O’Connor, 86, of Galesburg, died at 1:34 a.m. Monday, December 23, 2019, at Heartland Health Care, Galesburg. Betty was born on August 21, 1933, in Galesburg, the daughter of Jack and Garnet (Wilkins) Colclaser. She married Thomas O’Connor on March 30, 1974, in Tampa, FL. He preceded her in death on January 10, 2007. Betty is survived by three sons, Randy (Carol) Devlin of Galesburg, Tom (Sharon) O’Connor of Irvine, CA, and Stan (Louella) Devlin of Galesburg; two daughters, Michelle (Peter) Bjorkman of Greentown, PA and Angie (Wayne) Miles of Galesburg; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; and one brother, John Colclaser of Galesburg.
Betty graduated from ROVA High School. She went on to become a restaurateur in the Galesburg area; most notably owning the Downtown Lounge and O’Connor’s Diamond Horseshoe, as well as working at the Monmouth Country Club and the Knights of Columbus in Galesburg. Betty was a great event planner, cook, and made ribs and Rueben’s to die for. She was of the Catholic faith. Betty was an avid golfer, bowler, and a top-notch card player.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial visitation will be Sunday, December 29, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2019, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Memorials may be made in Betty’s memory to the American Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
