Dr. Betty Ellen Kline

Dr. Betty Ellen Kline, O.D., “Betsy,” 64, of Aurora, passed away peacefully at Amita Health Mercy Medical Center, Aurora Illinois on Saturday October 23, 2021. Betsy was born on June 18, 1957 to Betty Fae (Glenn), and Theodore Joseph Kline. Betsy was a lifetime resident of Aurora Illinois with strong family ties and friendships in the Auroraland area. Betsy attended St. Rita of Cascia Grade School, K.D. Waldo Jr. High School, and graduated from East Aurora High School in 1975. Betsy graduated from Waubonsee College as a Registered Nurse in 1980. Betsy furthered her education and graduated with her bachelors degree in Nursing from Aurora University in 1989. She worked in Medical Psychiatry at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood Illinois, followed by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago Illinois in Pediatric Psychiatry. She continued her education and graduated as a Doctor of Optometry from The New England College of Optometry in 1994. Betsy was the first of her family to go to or graduate from college. Many family members, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends, have successfully followed in her footsteps mainly due to her inspiration, guidance and perpetual encouragement. Betsy has been working as a Doctor of Optometry in the Chicagoland area for the last 27 years. Betsy recently opened two private practices, one in Sugar Grove and one in Aurora, and was so excited to be able to serve the community in which she grew up. Dr. Kline worked with many exceptional co-workers over the years that she recognized as family. As a Doctor of Optometry, her philanthropy was unwavering. If a patient was having difficulty paying for their eye care, Betsy would be sure to “adjust” the difference, right out of her own pocket. Ask anyone who knew her, Betsy was the most generous person you will ever know. Betsy was responsible for the impetus to change Illinois Optometry law due to her high integrity and firm moral code where patient care is concerned. Betsy returned to nursing during the 2020 Covid Pandemic, to do crisis work for the citizens of Illinois. She magnanimously sacrificed herself for the greater good. Betsy was married to Carl Waln in April of 2011. She found comfort in her marriage and the home life that they shared. She constantly looked after Carl and his family’s needs, as she found joy in selflessly providing for and caring for others. Betsy is survived by her husband Carl Waln, oldest sister, Margaret Ann Kelly (Joe), sister-in-law Barbara Jean Kline (Theodore William), sister-in-law Marcelina Kline (Edward Robert), her younger sisters Mary Lou Bromeland (Tom), and Deanna Lyn Kline and her husband, Jonathan. Betsy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, spouses of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews including: Rebecca (Joel) Venecia, Theodore Kline III, Nancy Fae Snyder (Derrick), Christopher Robert Kline (Lavonda), Jessica Fae Wallace (James), Jesse Theodore Kline, Jonathan Robert Kline, Andrew Bromeland, Alex Bromeland, Aaron Bromeland, and Sophia Noelle Kline. She is also survived by many cousins including: William F. Kline, and JoAnne Kline-Wedeen (Paul) of Big Rock Illinois. Betty Ellen was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, her parents Betty Fae (Glenn), and Theodore Joseph Kline, her two brothers Theodore William Kline, Edward Robert Kline, and sister-in-law Tong Yo Kline (Edward Robert). Betsy loved all things Schnauzer! Betsy has bred, raised and rescued schnauzers since the 1980s. She has rescued Schnauzers who were nice and ones who were naughty. Betsy loved each and every one of them and gave them all a wonderful life. I am sure they were all waiting to welcome her at the Rainbow Bridge. Betsy had fun visiting all of her nieces and nephews and never showed up empty handed. Betsy always arrived with gifts for the kids and thoughtful family heirlooms for the adults. Betsy had a soft spot for those less fortunate, she would never hesitate to hand money to or give food to, someone who was in need. Betsy even became friends with some of those people and would bring them gifts, personal items, clothing, special presents, but mostly friendship. Betsy was an extraordinary person. From a young age she found a way to entertain people, which grew into stories that were told over the years, usually ending in hilarity and uncontrolled laughter. These stories will continue to be told for generations with the same reaction every time. Betsy was happiest when she was working, contributing, rescuing, reassuring and giving. If she could complete the above activities with humor, it was truly unforgettable. Words to describe Betsy would include: firecracker, force of nature, bold, creative, resourceful, intelligent, soulful, charitable, thoughtful, lively, humanitarian, religious, entertaining, ethical, and courageous! Betsy will be missed by many people: family, friends, patients, coworkers, acquaintances and the many lives that she has altruistically touched and helped, out of the goodness of her heart, never expecting anything in return. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2022. Updates will be made to her Facebook page with information on her celebration of life event. Please feel free to share a story about Betsy here. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to a Schnauzer rescue of your choice in her name Betty Ellen Kline. Patients: Please contact Dr. Mark Arenella O.D., a friend and trusted colleague of Dr. Kline’s, at Eyeland Optical, 26 East Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois, 60505. Phone (630) 892-5000. The Daleiden Mortuary was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Dr. Betty Ellen Kline

June 18, 1957 - October 23, 2021