Betty Jane ONeil, age 88 of Big Rapids passed away peacefully, Thursday, April 25, 2024. She was born June 17, 1935 to John and Margaret (Beer) Kresnak at Little Traverse Hospital (now McLaren) in Petoskey, MI. Betty attended Saint Francis Catholic grade school, that went through the tenth grade, and finished high school at Petoskey public school. During her senior year, Betty worked part time for Michigan Bell as a telephone operator. After high school Betty entered Saint Marys School of Nursing in Grand Rapids and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1956. On February 2, 1957 she married Wayne ONeil of Big Rapids at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey. Together they raised their four children, Susan, Mark, Eric, and Jennifer in Big Rapids. Betty worked as a Nurse in Petoskey, Reed City, Mecosta County Hospital (now Corewell), Ferris State University Health Center, Stanwood Memorial Hospital, the Mecosta County Health Department; who merged with District #10 Health Department, where Betty finished her career making home visits as a Maternal and Infant Support Nurse. Betty was a long-time member of Saint Mary Saint Paul Parish in Big Rapids. She is survived by her beloved family including; her husband of 67 years, Wayne; four children, Susan (Carman) Bean of Big Rapids, Mark ONeil of Sparta, Eric ONeil of Big Rapids, Jennifer (fianc Derek Ameel) Solis of Big Rapids; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Francis Kresnak of Petoskey, James Kresnak of Petoskey, David Kresnak of Conway; many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Barbara Friedenstab, Theresa Kresnak, Judy Groh and a brother, Edward Kresnak. A Mass of the Resurrection will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Jegar Fickel officiating. The family will greet friends at Saint Mary Catholic Church on Wednesday May 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to Mass on Thursday. Contributions in memory of Betty Jane can be made to the Saint Mary - Saint Paul Parish of Big Rapids. Betty will be laid to rest at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Mass of the Resurrection Thursday, May 2, 2024 11:00 AM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Thursday, May 2, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Wednesday, May 1, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307