Betty Florence Anderson, 93, of Galesburg, died peacefully, at OSF St Mary Medical Center on September 30, 2021 at 5:41 a.m. She was preceded in death by her husband, David.
Born in Monmouth, Illinois on May 21, 1928 to Ward and Irene Noonan, Betty grew up on a farm, the eldest of 8 children. After receiving her business degree from Brown’s Business College, Betty began her professional career in the insurance industry where she quickly ascended to become secretary to the company president.
Betty met her beloved David on a blind date and they were married on November 28, 1953 at Immaculate Conception in Monmouth, Illinois. Betty and David settled in Galesburg to raise their rollicking family of 6 boys. Betty’s interests and talents were many. A consummate homemaker, she was also a fabulous cook, voracious reader, and a gifted conversationalist with a sly wit. Betty will be remembered for her incredible devotion to her faith, family and friends. She truly lived her faith and treated others with an unparalleled degree of kindness and acceptance. If you were ever a nervous “rookie” at the Anderson Christmas Eve Party, rest assured that you’d be welcomed with open arms, a big hug and kiss from Grandma Betty. Betty’s sunny and optimistic personality garnered her many friends. However, this easy demeanor could quickly evaporate if you ever faced her in a heated game of Pitch! She was an unfailing supporter of her husband’s, sons’ and grandchildren’s endeavors and clocked many miles in the bleachers over the years. Betty was an avid baseball fan and never missed a chance to cheer on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
Betty was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary, PEO Chapter AN, Soangetaha Country Club, and was the last surviving member of the Orange Beach ’28 Club.
Betty is survived by her six sons: Steven (Diane), Houston, Texas; Martin (Lynn), Madeira Beach, Fla.; Phillip, Peoria; Timothy (Beth), Orange Beach, Ala.; Robert (Maria), Lake Zurich, Ill.; and Randall (Gretchen), Destin, Fla. She will be dearly missed by her 18 grandchildren, and her 10 great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Dick Noonan, Daniel Noonan, Kathleen Tadie, Patricia Holt and Theresa Darwin. She is survived by her sisters Regina Noonan, Galesburg and Delores Campagna, Monmouth.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. In lieu of a visitation, respects may be paid to the family, 1 hour prior to the mass, in the church vestibule. All family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Betty’s life, at Soangetaha Country Club, following the service.
Memorials may be made to Costa Catholic Academy, St. Jude Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.
“May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left for the family on the funeral home’s website www.h-p-w.com.
