Betty Ann Woodhouse (Kuenning), 89, was born on September 27, 1930 in Auburn, Nebraska and passed away peacefully on May 24, 2020 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, Illinois with her family by her side.
The third of six children, Betty assisted in caring for her younger siblings and helping out at the poultry, produce, and dairy station owned by her family. She graduated from Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska with top honors in Elementary Education. In 1951, she made the decision to leave Nebraska, and moved to Chicago with her older brother Paul, where she worked several different jobs, including a clerk at Illinois Masonic Hospital and Illinois Bell Telephone Company. Betty joined the Chicago Temple Methodist church in the city, becoming an active member of the young people’s community. It was there, in 1954, she met her future husband, Alan Arthur Woodhouse, from Surrey, England. They were married in May 1955 in a formal ceremony at the Chicago Temple. They moved to Lombard, Illinois in 1965, where they built a home for their family.
Always health conscious, Betty subsequently became a yoga instructor, specializing in Hatha yoga, and received training at the Himalayan institute with renowned teachers. A talented artist, Betty loved drawing, painting, writing, poetry, and dance. She passed down many of her artistic skills to her children and grandchildren. Judy Garland was one of her favorite actresses, and she enjoyed watching her movies and listening to her music. She developed an interest in astrology and spent time researching her family’s astrological charts. She also loved nature and being outdoors, going for walks with her family, and swimming. Yoga continued to be one of her passions throughout her life, even into her later years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Ihrig Kuenning and Lena Anne Kehr, sisters Imogene and Carol, and brothers Rev. Paul, Larry, and Terry. Betty is survived by daughters Amy, Laurie, Angela, and Jane; grandchildren Dayna and Ben (Amy); Christopher, Alison, and Alexander (Angela); Jenna, Jerelyn, and Jessica (Laurie); Lisa, Chris, Robert, Courtney, and Sarah (Jane).
Betty was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is deeply loved by her family, in which she took great pride. Her loving, nurturing spirit will be greatly missed and treasured.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Betty’s honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation:
Memorial services will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West on Saturday May 22, at 2:30 PM.
Contact Info:
Amy- [email protected]
Laurie- [email protected]
Angie- [email protected]
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