Betty "B.J." Jewel Wagner

She was born on December 16, 1939 in Princeton, IL to Lloyd and Ann (Miller) Espel. They preceded her in death along with one brother, Bob Espel, one sister, Nilah Reiman, and one brother in law, Jim Reiman.

She is survived by her two daughters, Jill (Dan Niestrom) Wagner of Downers Grove, IL and Heidi (Tony) Simons of Virginia Beach, VA; two sons, John (Liz) Wagner of Lancaster, CA and Patrick (Mary Ann Goshleski) Mowbray of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Sam Bostwick, and Grace Bostwick all of Downers Grove, IL, Victoria Houston of San Diego, CA, Aaron Simons and Ethan Simons all of Virginia Beach, VA, and Zoe Wagner of Lancaster, CA; and one sister, Carolyn Espel of Princeton, IL.

Betty loved art as a child and had a successful career as an artist. Her talents reached across the country and have been highlighted in magazines, books and newspaper articles. She had a shop in St. Charles, IL where she was commissioned by many private clients to do work in their homes painting murals, furniture and paintings. Her Fox And Blue Heron painting is also featured on the Art Tour in St. Charles. Betty also spent many years in Bishop Hill where her Swedish folk-art painting were sold in her shop. As she cited in one article. "All the traditional kurbits paintings tell stories. There are often people in them, dressed up and festive, celebrating an occasion such as a wedding, playing music and dancing." Just as she enjoyed life.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Pastor Scot Shelburne will officiate. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Davison-Fulton.com for the Wagner family.