Betty J Willis

Born November 23, 1924 in Peoria to Harry and Mary (Phipps) Kitchen, she married Albert Lee Willis on June 7, 1942. They renewed their vows on December 31, 1980. He died April 23, 1984. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two young sons (James Lee Willis in 1952 and David Mark Willis in 1962), and two sisters (Gladys Lockwood and Grace Smith).

Surviving are one son, Steve (Pat) Willis of Peoria; three daughters, Susan (Richard) Prather of Pekin, Lee Ann (Jeff) Anderson of Chillicothe, and Patti Swearinger of East Peoria; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

She was a 1942 graduate of East Peoria Community High School.

Betty worked for Addressograph Multigraph and later for Dynamic Graphics, both in Peoria, last working in 1983.

She was a member of the Pekin Women of the Moose Chapter 673 and Eagles Aerie Auxiliary in Peoria. Betty and her mother were in first baptism at Sunnyland Christian Church.

Betty was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed dancing and playing shuffleboard.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday,November 13, 2008at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral. The Rev. Dwight Winnett will officiate. Burial will be in Fon du Lac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospices of America, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 24, Peoria, IL 61615.