Betty Jo Loper Betty Jo Loper, 88, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 18, in Taylor surrounded by loved ones as she was granted access to be with our Heavenly Father and reunited with those who have passed on before her. A private ceremony to honor Betty will be held later this year. Betty was born May 17, 1932, in Broughton, Ill., to Bernice G. and Eugene T. Wooldridge. Betty was the middle child. She went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. At 23, Betty met the love of her life, Lee Loper, at a square dance. They both shared a deep and powerful love for each other and married on Nov. 9, 1956. After relocating from California to Taylor they were blessed with three children, Greg, Lisa and Sheri. Betty was an avid reader between working on her puzzles she could get her hands on. Betty constantly worked on things that would keep her mind sharp and loved educating herself on many different topics. Betty lost the love of her life, her husband Lee, on Dec. 17, 1995. Although a piece of her heart was broken after Lee’s death, her heart was partially mended with the help of three little angels, her grandchildren, Sheyenne, Jakob and Zach. Another little angel came around to help with the finishing touches of repairing Betty’s broken heart, her “fur baby” kitty Max. She is survived by her children, Greg Loper of Peoria, Lisa (Jay) Crutchfield and Sheri Loper; grandchildren, Sheyenne Birdsong, Jakob Lancaster-Loper and Zachary Lancaster-Loper. She is also survived by her brother, Eugene (Rhoda) Wooldridge; niece, Pam (Wooldridge) Boester; and nephew, Richard Watkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her sister, Grace Watkins. Silver Creek Mortuary in Taylor handled the arrangements.
