Betty Jean Gallagher
June 20, 1934 ~ October 27, 2021
Betty was born on June 20, 1934 at Fort Harrison Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana to Oscar H. Haught and Madeline P. (Jones) Haught. She was an only child, growing up living throughout the United States on U.S. Army bases with her parents. She learned to drive while living at Fort Knox. She loved animals, having dogs, cats and even an owl monkey
. She married Phillip Charles Gallagher in 1956. Betty was a homemaker, wife and Mother. After her children started school, she began working part time at the Wm. H. Block Company at Southern Plaza. Betty was involved with the Girl Scouts when her daughter was in elementary school attending camp outs and heading up the Girl Scout Cookie drive one year.
She remained very close throughout her life with her cousins. She enjoyed annual Indy 500 outings at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with her friends. She always liked meeting the Indy 500 drivers each year. Her favorite was Johnny Rutherford and his wife. She enjoyed shopping and BINGO. She loved her family and enjoyed her grandchildren’s ball games and birthday parties. Betty was beautiful inside and out, always kind, caring and loving.
She passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Greenwood Meadows Healthcare Facility. She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Phillip, her 2 children – Debbie (Paul) Smith and Mike Gallagher, 5 grandchildren – Aleisha (David) Smith, Ben Pittman, Brian (Erika) Gallagher, Bonnie Binder, Brad (Caitlyn) Gallagher, 11 great grandchildren, 2 great-great granddaughters, 5 cousins and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home 6107 South East Street (US 31), Indianapolis, IN 46227.
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we ask that everyone respect social distancing and wear masks properly. There will be a graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1977 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, Indiana, in the Garden of the Nativity following visitation at the funeral home on November 6, 2021. To place an online memory of Betty please visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com
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We loved Aunt Betty Jean’s laugh, sense of style, and her ability to dance with pizzazz. Her light will be forever remembered fondly! I remember one visit to our house in Alexandria. Uncle Phil and Aunt Betty Jean stopped by while driving through town. My dad, Tom Kruczek, smiled more brightly and laughed a little fuller that day as we ate roast, potatoes, and green beans from our garden. Betty Jean said, “Tommy….you know, I surely missed you!!” They’re dancing in Heaven now.
Love, Aleisha, David, Logan, and Madeline Smith
Mom loved your Dad so very much.
Aunt Betty was the loveliest of aunts! Always stylish, attractive, kind, and giggling about something said. Never a harsh word from this lady. Always seemed to enjoy the moment. As a child, I remember all the impromptu visits at our house from her and uncle Phil. As a young adult I remember seeing her working at Blocks /Southern Plaza. Over the years many family get togethers, whether it be weddings, funerals, or family reunions. You could always count on Aunt Betty and Uncle Phil to be there! When my ex mother-in-law ( JoAnne Sweezy) Passed away in Arizona (service in Indpls) Betty and Phil went to her visitation too! My deepest regret is not to be able to get to Indpls for Aunt Bettys service; however, my heart and soul is with Uncle Phil, Mike, and Debbie and families at this time. My spirit and love is with Aunt Betty on her heavenly journey ! Your loving niece, Linda