Betty Ann (Hinchee) Dean 71, of Bushnell,
Betty Ann (Hinchee) Dean, 71, of Bushnell, Illinois, died on July 21, 2026. She was born on March 5, 1955, in Avon, Illinois, to Richard and Avis (Knott) Hinchee. She graduated from Bushnell-Prairie City High School in 1973 before earning both her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987 and her Master of Science degree in 1990 from Western Illinois University. She spent the majority of her career working at the University.
Betty married David Dean in 1980, he survives. She is also survived by her son Joe (Jill) Camp and grandchildren Lauren and Henry, of Port Washington, WI; son Brian (Misty) Dean, of Bartonville, IL, and grandchildren Sydney, of East Peoria; Madison (Elias), of Naperville; Serena (Addi), of Dunlap; Ruby, of Washington; and Brinley, Brooklyn, Khiya, and Khizr, of Bartonville. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren: Tyce, Ryland, Kinzlie, and Kaylani; brother James (Cindy) Hinchee, of Canton; brother Frank (Vickie Tait) Hinchee, of Bushnell; sister Beverly (Gary) Reed, of Bushnell; and sisterin- law Cathy (Ron) Ebbert, of Oakford.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-father Donald Thompson, sister Peggy McGrew, brother Robert Hinchee and grandson Derek Look.
From birth until the end of her life, Betty was surrounded by family. She was blessed with a large and wonderful family and spent as much time with them as possible. She was especially drawn to the young people in the family. She loved making a quilt for each new member of the family and took great joy in building relationships with them as they grew. Her thoughtful and reflective nature helped guide many of the younger members of her family into adulthood. Later in her career, she brought those same qualities to her role as an Academic Advisor, where she helped hundreds of students make their way through college and into the real world.
Visitation will be held at Martin-Hollis Funeral Home in Bushnell, Illinois, on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and her ashes will be laid to rest at Rigdon Cemetery in a private family service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bushnell Fire and Rescue Department in appreciation of the compassionate care they provided during Betty’s illness. Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.
