Betty J. O'Connor

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 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.  In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon; one brother, Bill Wilkins; and three sisters, Bonnie Colclaser, Doris Davis, and Frances Sandstrom. 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.