Bettie M. Swanzy, 81, Heyworth, passed away at 7:39 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 28, 2012) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Randolph Township Memorial Cemetery, Heyworth. The Rev. Kurt Flora will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth.

Memorials may be made to Donna Floyd, 208 N. Emery St., Heyworth, IL 61752. Money will be used to benefit the Thursday Night Jam at the Heyworth Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Bettie was born June 10, 1930, in Bloomington, daughter of John Harry and Nellie V. Yazel Backlund. She married Harold E. “Sonny” Swanzy in 1953 in Downs. He passed away Dec. 15, 1992.

Survivors include one son, Mark E. (Donna) Swanzy, Wapella; two daughters, Kimberly J. Sciarrino and Beth R. Swanzy-Nevius, both of Heyworth; two grandchildren, Brittany N. and Cody E. Swanzy; and her two dogs, Bear and Sassy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles Backlund and Raymond “Smokey” Backlund; and one sister, Marjorie Moon.

Bettie owned and managed two mobile home parks in Heyworth.

She loved her flowers, plants and dogs. She enjoyed going to the Heyworth VFW for the Thursday Night Jams. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband before his death. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren.