Betty Lou Willand

1936 - 2025

Betty Lou Willand
Born: January 8, 1936 in Chicago, IL
Died: June 16, 2025 in Rockford, IL
Betty Lou (Mungai) Willand, 89, of Oglesby, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford.
A Prayer Service will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Prey-Mueller Funeral Home, Oglesby followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Church, Oglesby with Rev. Paul Carlson, pastor officiating and Abbot Michael Calhoun of St. Bede Abbey concelebrating. Entombment will take place in Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley. Visitation will be held 4-7:00 PM on Friday, June 27, 2025 at the funeral home.
Betty Lou was born on January 8, 1936 in Chicago to Roy and Yolanda (Bardazzi) Mungai. She married Dr. Robert Willand on August 8, 1957 in Champaign and then moved to Oglesby in 1958. Betty Lou was a graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign. She went on to teach in Urbana, Peru, and Oglesby before finding her true home at St. Bede Academy. At St. Bede, Betty Lou was the Administrative Assistant to the various principals for almost 18 years. Known as "Ma" Willand, Betty Lou touched the lives of countless students, who entered the "office" for one reason or another. Betty Lou was also a colleague to Mary Louise Carus. The two collaborated on the publications of various books for the Carus Publishing Company in LaSalle.
From Country Lane Animal Hospital to the building of Progress Park Animal Hospital, Betty Lou stood by her husband's career that spanned over 40 years in practice. From early morning farm calls to late night emergencies, Betty Lou made sure that the needs of their children were met so Dr. Bob could fulfill his job during the early years of their practice.
Betty Lou is survived by four children, David (Janet) Willand of Missouri, Paul (Michele) Willand of Nebraska, Michael (Nanette) Willand of Oglesby, and Karen (Dave) Barton of Ottawa; nine grandchildren, Collin, Joshua, Rachel (Ian), Jordan, Zachary, Luke, Logan, Andrew (Ellen), and Angela; five great-grandchildren, Emerson, Ethan, Aiden, Easton, and Atleigh; and several nieces and nephews on the Willand and Mungai side.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Willand; her parents, Roy and Yolanda; one son, Eric Roy; one grandson, Ian; and her brother, Aldo Mungai.
Betty Lou touched the lives of many. From her career, their veterinary practice, motherhood, and marriage, she even found time to play Bridge. A passion where she enjoyed this game with countless Bridge parties, and online gaming. She played her last hand on June 15, sitting at her counter while enjoying her coffee.
"Sempre Famiglia" Mom, Ciao.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Holy Family Church, Holy Family School, St. Bede Academy, Dickinson House, or to the Oglesby Public Library.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.