Elizabeth Haskins

Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Haskins, nee O’Neal, 94, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, after spending precious time with each of her children, grandchildren, and a brother.  Heaven gained an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend.

Betty was born in Cutler, IL on July 30^th, 1924, to Floyd Courtland and Edna Ruth O’Neal. She grew up in southern Illinois and often recalled fond memories of being with her cousins on the family farm. She graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1942 and went on to complete her nursing degree at Washington University School of Nursing. Her dedication to the health profession led her to meet the love of her life, Dr. Jack T. Haskins, whom she married in September of 1953.  Betty and Jack spent 50 fun-filled and adventurous years together and raised two beloved daughters, Jann and Jena.

Betty was very musical and played piano and organ for several churches throughout her life. She loved to travel with her husband, family and friends, and spent retirement years living in Florida and Arkansas. She loved golfing, boating, and playing bridge. After her husband passed away, Betty returned to Belleville to be closer to family. She continued to be active volunteering at Memorial Hospital, serving in the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and playing bridge with friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jack T. Haskins, M.D.; and a brother, Robert B. “Bob” O’Neal.

Surviving are her daughters, Jann (David) Gillingham of Belleville, IL, and Jena Haskins of Overland Park, KS;
four grandchildren, Ryan (Kate) Blaha, Kyle (Sean) Blaha, Caitlin (Nick) Hebrew, and Ben Mulligan;
4 ½ cherished great-grandchildren, Maddox, Mabry, and baby Blaha (due in February) and Birdie and Bitsy Hebrew;
step-daughters, Suzie (Robert) Lenart and her family, Jessica (Robert) Gardner, Samuel and John, and Joseph (Pansa) Klaus, Cookie and Lily, and Robert Jr., and Jackie Haskins;
a brother, David C. (Lonna) O’Neal of Mesquite, NV;
and a sister-in-law, Liz O’Neal of Belleville, IL, (who was more like a sister to Betty).

The family would like to extend special thanks to Rachel, Connie, and Elena of HSHS Hospice for their love and support over the last few months.

Memorials may be made to Women4given or to HSHS Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

 Visitation:  Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Father Payton Wieland officiating.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, at a later date.