Columbus, OH — Betty Lou O’Donnell (née Wise), 94, of Stuart, Fla., died on March 30, 2024.

Mrs. O’Donnell was born April 11, 1929, to Vada and Ken Wise in Elyria, Ohio. She and her husband, Bob O’Donnell, whom she married on April 7, 1951, moved to Grafton, Ohio, where they established Hobby Horse Farm and operated a Standardbred racing and breeding stable.

Mrs. O’Donnell was a fixture on the Grand Circuit scene, racing horses under the nom de racecourse Liberated Stable with friend Marguerite Forrest. Among the horses they campaigned were I’m No Angel, Liberated Angel and Leather Jacket. Mrs. O’Donnell was also a co-breeder of Jugette winner Leah Almahurst, who was dam of leading sire Western Ideal and ancestress of Little Brown Jug winners Mr Feelgood and Lou’s Pearlman, world champion He’s Watching, Remember When, Reflect With Me and My Girl EJ.

The O’Donnells retired to Florida in their late 50s and enjoyed golf, tennis and boating. Mrs. O’Donnell played tennis well into her 80s.

Mrs. O’Donnell is survived by her children, Marianne (Bob Ivany), Tricia (Vince Jiovanazzo), Mike (Rhonda), Kelly (Jeannine), Tim (Pam) and Rob; 13 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, who died in 2013.

Memorial contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.