**UPDATE TO LOCATION OF SERVICES**

Betty Lou (Michael) McKenna, 81, of Freeport, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, at Ascension St. Joseph in Freeport.

Betty was born June 23, 1943, in Lena, to Elwood and Edith (Buss) Michael. She spent her younger years on the family farm outside Lena and attended rural Lena schoolhouse. She later moved with her family to Stockton and graduated from Stockton High School in 1961. While riding along with her younger sister, Nancy, who was meeting her boyfriend on a date, Betty also met the love of her life as her future husband turned out to be the uncle of Nancy's boyfriend.

Betty married Dean McKenna on November 7, 1964, at St. John the Baptist Church in Savanna. They would settle in Freeport where Betty worked at Burgess Battery and Micro Switch for a few years. She was most known for her careers at State Bank and Newell-Rubbermaid both in Freeport.

Together they raised two children, Todd and Becky, and based their lives on the foundation of Faith, Family, and Love. Betty lived a life of service to others always putting her family and friends first if she could help in any way. She volunteered at numerous places for many years including the ER at FHN, St. Joseph Church, and Aquin High School, basically anywhere she was asked to help. She passed on that spirit to her children and grandchildren. She knew most everyone in town through her volunteer activities and jobs at State Bank and Newell-Rubbermaid. She always had a smile and had time to chat when running into friends and family.

Her grandchildren, Erin and Brett, were Betty's pride and joy. She treasured spending time with them and watching them grow up, often attending as many of Erin's dance shows as she could and watching on the internet when she couldn't. Betty also was a strong supporter of autism-related causes which Brett benefited from.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, parents Elwood and Edith, and stepmother, Jane.

Betty is survived by her two children, Todd (girlfriend Suzy Craft) of Freeport; and Becky (Scott) Pease of Adams, Wis. Her two grandchildren, Erin Pease and Brett Pease. Her two sisters, Eleanor Getz of Freeport and Nancy (Jerry) McKenna of Lanark. She also had several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation is planned for Tuesday, February 25, at 10am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Freeport. Funeral service will follow at 11am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

A memorial has been established in Betty's memory for the Madonna Renewal Center in Freeport.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.