Betty Jean McConnell, 77, of Blandinsville, Illinois passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport, Iowa.

She was born February 19, 1945 in Paullina, Iowa, the daughter of Lou and Leona Peters Schwebach. On August 3, 1963, she married James McConnell in Carthage, Illinois. He survives.

Betty worked at Methode Electronics in Carthage for many years, retiring in 1993. However, her favorite job was being a stay-at-home mom for her four children. She and her husband enjoyed motorcycling, camping, attending stock car races and playing cards. She loved her dogs, especially Dolly.

She is survived by her husband, James, three daughters, Tammy (Chuck Lee) McConnell of LaHarpe, Illinois, Rhonda (Steve) Calvert of Sciota, Illinois and Michele Krohe of New Lenox, Illinois, one son, T.J. (Andrea) McConnell of Erie, Illinois, eleven grandchildren, Owen (Katelyn) McConnell, Paige (Maden Tacey) McConnell, Kate McConnell, Dustin (Megan) Derry, Chelsea (John) Livermore, Madison (Dawson Mynatt) Calvert, Haley Calvert, Lindy (Mitch) Finke, Brock Krohe, Lia Krohe and Tristan Krohe, eight great-grandchildren, Brior and Wrenlee McConnell, Charleigh and MacKenzie Derry, Cora and Lux Livermore, Gannon and Jackson Finke, one sister, Sally Pluger of Lamars, Iowa and one brother, Dickey Schwebach of Sioux City, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and one brother.

The family will meet with friends Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe where services will begin at 2:30. Mark Hanson will officiate. Burial will follow in the McConnell Cemetery near Fountain Green, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established. Contributions will be used towards the purchase of a Memorial Bench in her memory.

To leave a condolence, please visit her obituary at banksandbeals.com