Betty Jane Gallegos

Betty Jane Gallegos, age 84, was born on February 24, 1937 at home in Success, Arkansas, the daughter of Samuel and Dovie Jane, nee Pennell, Dressendofer.  Betty Jane was one of eight siblings and a twin to Bobby.  In birth order they were Glenna, Audrey, Howard, Dean, Samuel Jr., Betty Jane, Bobby and Carolyn.

Betty Jane met the love of her life, Jesse Gallegos, while taking a karate class, which he was teaching, at the Aurora, Illinois YMCA.  They married in 1967.  Betty Jane and Jesse enjoyed a long, loving marriage and friendship until Jesse’s passing. 

Betty Jane was the beloved mother of Jessica Jane (Joshua) Johnson and the late Brian David (late Laura) Arns and late Victoria Lynn Johnson; loving grandmother of Samuel Jeffrey Thompson.

Together with Jesse, Betty Jane opened a karate school called Fox Gardens Karate Club in North Aurora around 1970.  They ran the school several years then transitioned into teaching for park districts in Aurora, North Aurora, Romeoville, St. Charles and Wauconda.

She will be remembered as being incredibly spunky, sassy and strong.  Betty Jane welcomed a challenge and enjoyed and was proactive in teaching self-defense to women and children.  

Betty Jane and Jesse will be buried together at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois on June 15th, 2021 with a service to start at 2pm. 

To celebrate Betty's life, please visit the Tribute Wall on this memorial to leave a sentiment or upload a photograph.

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