Elizabeth L. "Betty" O'Neil

1945 - 2025

Elizabeth "Betty" L. O'Neil, age 79, of Norwood Young America, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Cedar Crest Estate surrounded by her family after a battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Memorial Service was held Saturday, February 22, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at the Church of the Ascension in Norwood Young America with visitation at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be at a later date in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Gathering of Family and Friends was held one hour prior to the service, all at church. Clergy Officiating, Father Abraham George; Organist, Marilee Widmer; Special Music, Church of Ascension Choir; Congregational Hymns, "Amazing Grace," "Here I am Lord," "One Bread, One Body," "May the Choirs of Angels Come to Greet You," "How Great Thou Art"; Urn Bearers, Betty's grandchildren.

Elizabeth "Betty" Louise O'Neil was born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, on February 18, 1945, to Elmer and Margaret (Haus) Hennen. She was a graduate of Morton High School.

Betty was united in marriage on June 6, 1964, to John O'Neil. They made their home in Norwood Young America and raised their four children: Tom, Russ, Karen, and Paula. She was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Norwood Young America. As a young mom, Betty volunteered countless hours at her church in many different capacities, from being a Eucharistic minister to helping with funerals and Catechism. She loved watching her children participate in their high school sports and was their biggest cheerleader, even as a grandparent, she never missed an event involving her grandkids.

Betty was an excellent cook. She was especially known for her potato salad, coleslaw, frosted chocolate cake bars, and rhubarb tort, the list could go on. During her lifetime, Betty donated over 14 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. Even in the more difficult times while at home, her friends still picked up Betty so she wouldn't miss her weekly coffee gatherings. She will be remembered by her strong faith, devotion to her family, her volunteer work, quick wit, and sense of humor.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, John; children, Tom (Jody) O'Neil of Chaska, MN, Russ O'Neil of St. Paul, MN, Karen (Kevin) Bovitz of North Branch, MN, Paula (Robbie) Baumann of Norwood Young America, MN; grandchildren, Cassy O'Neil and (John Tietz) and Mat (Kate) O'Neil, Kaleb and Nick Bovitz, McKenna and Brayden Baumann; great-grandchildren, Madisyn and Greyson O'Neil-Tietz, Beckett and Greta O'Neil; sister, Bonnie Reabe; brother, Butch Hennen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Margaret Hennen.

The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Cedar Crest in Silver Lake where Betty lived for the last 10 months and Allina Hospice for their care and devotion which was also a great comfort.

Arrangements by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Norwood Young America.

www.mcbridechapel.com.