Betty Jean "BJ" (Kite) Rynor

Betty Jean “BJ” (Kite) Rynor, 91, of Orion, IL, passed away Tuesday March 11, 2025, at Bickford of Davenport Memory Care, Davenport, IA, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday March 16, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary, Ltd., 1301 4th Street, Orion. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday March 17, 2025, at the Davenport Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum. Donations may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date.

BJ was born on May 20, 1933, in Knoxville, Iowa, the fourth child of Robert L. and Sylvia M. (Allard) Kite. She married the true love of her life, William “Bill” Rynor, on May 1, 1954, in Clio, Iowa. After 57 years together, he preceded her in death on July 2, 2011. She had been employed as a hairdresser at Car Nan’s Hair Designers in Moline for 30 years. She was a member of the Asbury Methodist Church, Bettendorf and United Methodist Church, Orion. BJ loved spending time with family, traveling, cooking for gatherings, trying new recipes, and volunteering through her churches.

Survivors include her daughter, Vicky Cope and special son-in-law, Jim Cope of Orion; grandchildren, Brandy Cope (Scott Byrne), Katy Gladkin (Kelly Gladkin), Derek Cope; great grandchildren, Kaden, Kallen, Tayler, Taylie and baby girl Gladkin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; daughter, Cynthia Lynne; and siblings, Esther, Paul, Edith, and Francis.

A special thank you to the caring staff at Bickford of Davenport Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.