Betty Jane Darrell of Scales Mound, IL passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at her home among family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held later. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Betty was born and raised in Riverdale, IL. The daughter of Joseph and Marie Pracht, who were immigrants from Germany and Austria respectively. She was employed at Marshall Fields in Chicago for several years before meeting her husband, George Darrell. They were married in 1953. Betty and George lived mostly in the Chicago area while raising their three sons, David, Steven, and Douglas. The family had a summer home at Apple Canyon Lake, which introduced them to the area. Upon George’s retirement, they relocated to Scales Mound. Betty and George were well-traveled, having visited China, Africa, Australia, and Ireland. Betty had a lifelong interest in birds. She maintained bluebird houses and feeders and delighted in her list of birds identified. She gave generously to the Audubon Society, as well as many other conservation organizations. She enjoyed reading countless books, with romance novels among her favorites.

Betty is survived by her husband George, sons David and Steven, and grandchildren Caitlin, Fallon, Andrew, Lucas, and Jordan.

She was preceded in death by her son Douglas.

The family would like to thank caregivers Jan, Marcia, Janet, and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to Hospice of Dubuque in Betty’s memory.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com