Obituaries
Death of Betty Gilmore
Betty Gilmore was born on October 10, 1942. She entered into her eternal life on Saturday, November 20, 2021. She was the daughter of Earl and Virginia Edwards, and sister to Larry Edwards, all of Roodhouse. They are all now reunited in Heaven along with her mother and father-in-law, Virgil and Ruby Gilmore.
She grew up in Roodhouse, Illinois where she would graduate with the class of 1960. In 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, Randall Gilmore. They remained married in a love story for the ages and for the rest of her life. After high school, Betty was a beautician until she and Randy began farming in Hillview. The year 1982 was a bright one, as she and Randy met a young boy named Michael and they adopted him. In that moment, they all got their forever family.
Later the Gilmores would move to Knoxville before settling in Carlinville with Randy’s job. Betty then began her career with Carlinville School District working in the High School cafeteria. This job brought her great joy visiting with all the students, teachers, and staff. In 2002, their family would grow again when Michael married Robin (Clevenger) Gilmore. The year 2004, would bring Betty a love she never knew before when her first grandchild, Braylee, was born. Betty became, “Grammy.”
She then retired to spend her days with Braylee. Her days consisted of tea parties, tending to flowers, walks around the lake and more bird watching than you could imagine. In 2008, Grammy’s heart would grow even fuller with the addition of a grandson, Wyld. He brought the rough and tumble days of adventure. He made Grammy laugh every day.
The Gilmores all made their home in Carlinville where Betty enjoyed watching the grandchildren learn and grow. She never missed a soccer game, a Christmas program or a birthday party. This time with Randy, Mike, Robin and the kids would be the absolute highlight of her life. Betty lived a life very strong in her faith. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Roodhouse where she and Randy were married. Later they became members of Emmanuel Baptist Church and finally Cross Church of Carlinville.
Betty loved the life she was given fiercely making the most of every day. She was steady and strong through the rough days and a beacon of light and joy, always. She would not want people to weep for her passing, she would want them to remember her in moments of joy. Remember her when the hummingbirds return each year and on the graceful wings of birds in the air. Remember her in the soft touch of bright flower petals, and in the infectious laughter of children. In all things that bring happiness, Betty will be there.
If she could leave a message for all people still living their earthly lives, she would say: “Be faithful. Trust in God because he always has a plan.” Memorials are suggested to the Macoupin County 4-H Foundation. No services are planned at this time. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is assisting the Gilmore family.
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Eugene A. “Gene” Bentrup, age 86 of rural Staunton, passed away at 5:15 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Staunton Health & Rehab Center in Staunton. He was born on Tuesday, March 15, 1938, in Staunton, the son of the late Louis and Ella (Heigert) Bentrup.
He married Shirley Repovich on June 9, 1962, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston and she survives.
Gene served our country in the United States Army. He was employed as a grain inspector for Toberman Grain & Feed Company in East St. Louis for many years. He enjoyed gardening, mowing grass, shopping with Shirley, traveling with the Goldenaires Club, bowling, and table games.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Bentrup of rural Staunton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother in infancy, Otto Bentrup.
Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston. Funeral services for Gene Bentrup will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston with Rev. Fr. Thomas Hagstrom officiating.
Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton with the Staunton Veterans Honor Guard conducting graveside military rites. Memorials are suggested to either Heartland Hospice, St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton, or to the charity of the donor’s choice
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Wanda Kaye (Huffman) Bernot, 77 of Benld, was freed from the shackles of Alzheimer’s Disease on April 22, 2024. She passed peacefully with family by her side at Community Hospital of Staunton. A poetic end for she was a selfless person.
Wanda was born on September 7, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of the late Vernon and Gladys (Conner) Huffman. She was raised in Staunton and was a graduate of Staunton High School. She married Pete Bernot on February 20, 1965, in Benld. They lived in Benld where they raised their only child, Jeff.
Wanda dedicated her time to a career in public service by working for the State of Illinois. Much of her work for the state was spent with the Department of Public Aid as a caseworker and director in the Carlinville field office. She was also a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Wanda never shied away from helping people. After retirement, she served as Benld’s City Clerk and served on the Gillespie CUSD#7 Site Selection Committee for the location of the new elementary school.
She leaves behind her son, Jeffrey A. Bernot of Benld; her grandchildren, Rylee Bernot (Cassidy) of Benld, Peyton Bernot of Benld, and Ashleigh Feldmann (Daniel) of Staunton; great-grandchildren, Elexia, Jace, Jax, and Emreigh; a sister, Rita Soens of Williamson; a niece, Sherry Warren (Mike); and great-nieces, Shelby and McKenzie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Pete, who passed away on April 21, 2018.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Pastor Dane Solari officiating.
Memorials are suggested to The Partnership for Educational Excellence for the Pete & Wanda Bernot Scholarship Fund.
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Rodney Lee McQuaid, 62 of Shipman, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at home. He was born on January 31, 1962, in Alton, the son of the late Roy “RD” and Ramona Kay (Moran) McQuaid.
Rodney married the love of his life Sherry Lynn Whitten on October 12, 1984, in Alton. She preceded him in death in 2020. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family, always spoiling their nieces and nephews whom they dearly loved. He was a manager at Speedway Salvage and could usually be found getting into trouble on his tractor.
Rodney is survived by his brother, Skip (Marcia) McQuaid; sister, Sherrie (Randy) Durbin; five nieces and nephews; five great nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Gloria Joyce.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sherry Lynn, and parents, RD and Kay McQuaid.
Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of funeral service at Noon on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton. Burial will follow at Shipman Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation.
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