Betty Woolard
PEKIN ~ Betty Lou Woolard, 90, of Pekin, passed away at 10:34 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on September 3, 1935 in New Castle, Colorado, the daughter of John A. and Mary Lou (Gilmore) McNeel. Betty married Melvin L. Woolard on July 7, 1956 in New Castle, Colorado. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2000. Betty was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jack McNeel and Hank McNeel and one brother-in-law, Lloyd Woolard.
She is survived by her children, Melody (Dewey) Fahnstrom of Joliet, Howard (Beth) Woolard of Washington and John Woolard of Holly, Michigan; five grandchildren, Brian (Tracy) Fahnstrom of Joliet, Brett (Kristen) Fahnstrom of Bolingbrook, Scott Fahnstrom of Joliet, Jesse Woolard of Holly, Michigan and Amie (James) Thomason of Portage, Michigan. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Reva Woolard of Pana; three great grandchildren, Lauren, Faith and Elsie Fahnstrom and many nieces and nephews.
Betty attended the Peach Valley one room school house in New Castle, Colorado, and graduated High School in New Castle as well. After graduation she attended St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Denver Colorado, Graduating in 1956. She worked as a Registered Nurse for 35 years including 24 years at the Pekin Hospital before retiring in 1991.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin, where she served on several committees, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed helping with funeral dinners.
Betty was also a member of Pekin Registered Nurses and Pekin Hospital Volunteers. She helped with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and multiple school organizations when the children were younger, then Betty and Mel enjoyed being members of the Celestial City Campers of Pekin.
Her memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Pekin. Pastors Sean Peters and Judy Doyle officiated the service. Visitation was from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Inurnment followed at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Not sure how long these links will be active… but the write up, pictures, videos are nice.
Betty Woolard Information - Preston Hanley
Betty Woolard - Funeral Service
The obituary, slide show and service is a nice summary… but like any story… there is so much more. So much more known by those dear to her. And even more only known between her and her savior Jesus Christ! I can only share the part of what I know/believe about her. One thing I do know… is how blest we were to hold her hand… as she went peacefully to be with Jesus, her heavenly Father. She had so many wonderful people waiting to see her again… like my father… that she was ready to go see them again!