ANDALUSIA, Ill. -- Bette Jo "BJ" Flaherty, of Andalusia, Ill., died unexpectedly at her home Wednesday, May 24. A celebration of life service will be 5 p.m. Sunday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island, at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Kaplan University scholarship fund designated for a travel student. BJ was born June 6, 1942, in San Diego, Calif., the daughter of Joseph and Bernice Knapp Beauchamp. She grew up in Davenport and graduated from Rock Island High School in 1960. She married Robert L. Flaherty, June 16, 1984, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Andalusia. BJ was director of Student Services and Program Coordinator for Travel at Kaplan University, Davenport, for 19 years. She touched the lives of her students and took pride on seeing them succeed in personal achievement. With her expertise in cruising the Carribean for more than 30 adventures, she enjoyed sharing the new experience of travel with her students and family. Her joy was being an AKC Shitzu breeder for 23 years. She took great pleasure in gardening and being creative with her painting talents and decorating flair. BJ had a contagious positive attitude with everyone she came in contact with. Her true love was being entertained by her grandchildren. She will be truly missed by her family and friends. BJ is survived by her husband, Bob; children and spouses, Randy and Dawn Swanson, Rock Island, Rusty and Jane Swanson, Tulsa, Okla., and Kelli Buss, Franklin, Tenn.; grandchildren, Emilee and Evan Swanson, Brooks and Seth Swanson and Luke and Ella Buss; sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Rick Davies, Coal Valley, Ill.; and nieces, Alexis Davies, Kim Verbeckmoes and Kari Searle. She was preceded by her parents and brother, Jim Beauchamp. Online condolences may be left at http://www.wheelanfuneralhome.com" target= "_blank">www.wheelanfuneralhome.com.