Elizabeth Ann Bertsch

Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Bertsch, 94, of Bement, IL., passed away peacefully at 8:35 P.M., on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello, IL. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.

Liz was born at home on November 30, 1929. She was the third child of William and Helen Kastl Knollenberg and grew up with 12 brothers and sisters on a farm near Mattoon, IL. After graduating high school, she helped her mother at home for several years before moving out on her own, attending a couple of sessions at Eastern Illinois University and eventually working as a secretary in Mattoon. She married Dale Lee Bertsch on June 20, 1953 in Pana, IL., where they resided until moving to Bement in January 1971. Liz and Dale enjoyed over 70 years of marriage. He survives and lives in Bement. Liz and Dale had four daughters: Karen Rudisill of Marquette, MI., Marcia Bertsch of Wheaton, IL., Kay (Howard) Lust of Bement, IL., and Carol (Randy) Baker of Savoy, IL, as well as 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are: Robert (Barbara) Knollenberg, Walter (Ellen) Knollenberg, Dan (Pam) Knollenberg, and Jane (John) Hough. She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers (William, John, Joseph and Richard Knollenberg), 4 sisters (Mary Wilcox, Dorothy Swiney, Cecelia Rose Crowe, and Patricia Knollenberg), and two infant brothers James and Michael.

Farming was in her blood, and Liz loved to garden. For years she canned much of the produce she grew. She also filled her yard with trees and flower gardens. Liz was an avid reader and was particularly interested in the Civil War. She enjoyed playing board/card games with family and doing puzzles. She participated in a local bridge group with her friends. She was an excellent seamstress and made many of her girls' clothes. Liz also served on the Bement Library and the Bement Township Cemetery Boards.

Liz was a homemaker for many years, returning to the work force in 1974. She eventually took a position as the secretary at Bement High School and retired from that position in 1990. Liz and Dale spent their early years of retirement traveling (they visited all of the lower 48 states!) and participated in several Redbird Missions to Kentucky, filled sandbags along the Mississippi River to help deter flooding, and were active members of the Bement United Methodist Church. With 6 grandchildren all participating in sports, Liz and Dale logged many miles following their games and cheering them on from the bleachers. A kind, loving, happy person, Liz will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

Visitation will be held on, Saturday, February 24th, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, at the Bement United Methodist Church, 249 N. Piatt St., Bement, IL. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 12 Noon at the church. The Pastor Naomi Roberts will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Bement Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Bement United Methodist Church or the Piatt County Nursing Home, Halcyon Unit, Monticello or the Alzheimer's Association.

Aaron and Susie Hinds of Hinds Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Bement, IL., have the honor to serve the family of Elizabeth Ann Bertsch, “Our Family is Here to Serve Your Family”. Please visit our website at www.hindsfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.