- Date Of Birth: June 14, 1937
- Date Of Death: October 31, 2016
- State: Illinois
Betty Jean Van Winkle, 79, of Galesburg, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, October 31, 2016, 3:58 PM, at Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg. Betty was born on June 14, 1937, Galesburg. She was the daughter of Herbert C. and Nellie E. (Nelson) Larson. She later married the love of her life Donald L. Van Winkle on January 14, 1956, in Peoria, Illinois.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Don, of Galesburg; a son, Daryl L. (Trish) Van Winkle, of Abingdon; three daughters Terri M. (Scott) Molaro, of Las Vegas, NV, Pamela L. (Bob) Colwell, of Galesburg, Laurie J. (Gary) Riney, of Abingdon; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Lewis Larson, of Galesburg; and nieces, nephews and their families. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Wayne Van Winkle; grandson, Shane Michael Van Winkle; one brother, Phillip Larson; and three sisters, Faye Jones, Idella Maranville, and Dorothy Joan Gabriel.Betty was raised in the Monmouth/Cameron and Galesburg areas.
She was a 1955 graduate of Galesburg High School. Betty lived in Abingdon from 1970-1990. She worked at Danner’s Bakery during high school, and after marrying Don she became a homemaker, worked in housekeeping at Jumer’s in Galesburg, also the Pantry and A&W restaurants in Abingdon. Betty also babysat for several families in Galesburg. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Galesburg. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and mostly having fun with her beloved family, most of all, Betty enjoyed sitting on the back porch visiting with her loving family and neighbors. Betty always sacrificed her own needs for others and she will be remembered for her kind heart, sweet voice, laugh, and beautiful smile. She will be greatly missed by all those that were blessed to have known her.
