Bernadine M. Betcher

Bernadine Mae Betcher, 94, of Annawan, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 1, at Woodridge Supportive Living Center – Geneseo, IL.  A Mass of Christian burial celebrating Bernadine's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 6, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annawan.  Reverend S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation for Bernadine will be held at the church one hour before the Mass begins (10:00-11:00 a.m.).  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bernadine Betcher Memorial Fund. Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Atkinson, is assisting the family with these arrangements.

Bernadine was born June 2, 1924, the daughter of Julius and Elizabeth (DeRycke) DeDecker, in rural Annawan, IL.  She was the middle of five siblings and graduated from Annawan High School with the class of 1942.  Bernadine was united in marriage to Arnold Betcher on June 9, 1947, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Annawan. They raised three children together in Annawan and were married 67 years.  Bernadine kept busy in the home while her husband built a trucking business.  Bernadine was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and she was a devout Catholic.

Bernadine was a masterful cook and from-scratch baker.  For several years, she made beautiful wedding cakes.  Her rolls, pies, Easter cookies, and cakes were the highlight of holidays and family gatherings.  Her red velvet cake was a family favorite.  Bernadine was particular about her appearance, appreciated being nicely-attired, and had her hair done once a week, no matter the weather.  Bernadine painted ceramics and decorated dolls, nativity sets, and other figurines and enjoyed golf.  Bernadine was calm, patient, determined, and kind and was a perfect complement to her husband.  She was a loving wife and a loving mother and will be missed by her family.

Survivors include a son, Craig (Peggy) Betcher of Geneseo, and daughters, Julie (Jeff) Catton of Atkinson, IL, and LuAnn Ziles of Kansas City, MO. Her grandchildren are Derek (Heather) Betcher, Geneseo, Kelly (Kevin) Kruck, LeClaire, IA, Jared Betcher, LeClaire,  Adam Ziles, Kansas City, Abbie (Billy) Andrews, Overland Park, KS, Angela (Kenny) Preski, Chicago, IL, Jason (Andrea) Hasbrook, Annawan, IL, and Kylee Hasbrook, Clinton, IA. She has 14 great-grandchildren and sister, Helen DeVrieze, of Annawan.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, sisters, Elvera and Delores, brother, Francis, and son-in-law, John Ziles.