Obituary of Betty O'Neill

Betty O’Neill, of Florence, KY, entered eternal rest while being surrounded by her beloved family on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, KY. The daughter of the late Cecil and Orpha {Good} Hawthorne, Betty was born in Fullerton, NE on March 2, 1944.

A woman of faith, Betty had a strong relationship with God and enjoyed attending bible studies. She loved being outdoors and adored nature. Traveling with her husband, Jim, was one of her favorite pastimes with Maine and Massachusetts as some favorite destinations. She also loved visiting Florida, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Hilton Head, and just about anywhere that had a beach, Betty loved walking on the sand collecting seashells and enjoying the ocean views. A talented artist, Betty would often create beautiful paintings and drawings that she would share with family and friends. Her greatest pride and joy were her family; she cherished every moment spent with her precious grandchildren that knew her as ‘Mimi.’

She will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 55 years, Jim O’Neill; children Margaret Anne (Mike) Brown, James Joseph O’Neill IV, and Catherine Patrice (Jesse) Kendrick; grandchildren Gabby and Audrey Brown, MaKoy Hawkinson, Ian O’Neill, and Mackenzie Rash; and several nephews and other relatives that will forever cherish their memory of Betty. Betty also leaves behind her friends at Legacy Living in Florence that were blessed to have her in their lives.

Welcoming Betty in Heaven are her parents, Cecil and Orpha Hawthorne; stillborn son Patrick O’Neill; sisters Barbara Louise Hawthorne, Margaret Anne Hawthorne; and brother Kelvin Hawthorne.

A Memorial service will be held at Legacy Living of Florence (8520 Gunpowder Rd, Florence, KY 41042) on Saturday, December 28^th at 10:00 AM. The O’Neill family encourages that memorial donations be made to The American Kidney Fund by clicking here. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.