Mrs. Deborah M. Beetler, 70, of Oneida, Illinois died at 7:37 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg surrounded by her family.
She was born May 14, 1949 in Galesburg to Everett and Prosha (Hocker) Walker. She married Mike Kalb on March 17, 1968 in Victoria. She later married David Beetler on June 20, 1998 in Galesburg. He survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Rob Kalb of Wataga and Ryan (and Ashley) Kalb of San Diego, California, a daughter, Tricia (and Jamie) Bledsoe of Wataga, a brother, Jim Walker of Galesburg, and eight grandchildren, Rylie Kalb, Madison Kalb, Chloe Kalb, Kyla Bledsoe, Noah Bledsoe, Brody Bledsoe, Stella Kalb and Maximus Kalb. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Bob Walker.
Deborah graduated from R.O.V.A. High School in 1967. She attended Brown’s Business College in Galesburg. She worked at OSF St. Mary Medical Center for 32 years as a unit secretary and a payroll clerk in Fiscal Services. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg and especially enjoyed serving as a camp counselor during the church’s weeks at camp.
Debi loved working in her family’s grocery store in Victoria. The work ethic she developed standing on a box behind the counter so she could reach everything stuck with her throughout her life. Debi loved people. She had a helpful spirit second to none, which was apparent whether she was whipping up one of her well-known recipes, visiting one of her grade school teachers at a nursing home, mowing a lawn or giving someone her undivided attention as they unloaded their troubles or shared some good news. Debi loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school and sports events, bicycling and walking.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Oaks Community Church in Dahinda. Rev. Chuck Hilman will officiate. Burial will be in Victoria Cemetery, Victoria, Illinois. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Memorials may be made to ROWVA Public Schools Foundation with funds designated to the instrumental music program. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
