Betty O’Neil Marshall, 85, of Bloomington, Ill., formerly of Ft. Worth, Tex. and Wiscasset, passed away Nov. 19, 2010 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Normal, Ill.
Betty was born April 15, 1925 in Bloomington, Ill., the daughter of William and Louise Ehrmantraut O’Neil. She married Charles E. Marshall on Oct. 16, 1959 in New York, N.Y. He preceded her in death June 16, 1993.
Betty’s career spanned over 50 years in the theater, most notably she performed in New York on Broadway, Casa Manana in Ft. Worth, Tex. and Maine State Music Theater, Brunswick. Her prowess in the singing, dancing and acting that combined with her dry sense of humor, a tough but tender sensibility and the maturity and sophistication that a “dame” in the theater needs, made her jump out in any show. Her performances in Mame, Pal Joey, Pajama Game and Anything Goes are remembered today. Her last performance was in the 1998 Showboat at the Maine State Music Theater. She served on many boards, was an EMT with the Wiscasset Ambulance Service and was an avid tennis player.
Surviving are nieces and nephews, Jo Ann (Mike) Reidy of Clinton, Ill., Karen (Brett) Arseneault of Bloomington, Ill., Steve (Deb) Wannemacher of Bloomington, Ill. and John (Sally) Wannemacher, Ellsworth, Ill.; and sister, Patricia (Jerry) Wannemacher, Bloomington, Ill.
Mass of Christian burial 10 a.m., Sat., June 4 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Newcastle with the Rev. Father Fred Morse officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Newcastle. Friends may visit with the family from 9-10 a.m. at the church.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.
