Gwen Lucille Berutti, 94, of Gillespie, died at Carlinville Rehab Center, on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 3:15 pm. She was born March 1, 1929, in Gillespie, to John L. Burnett and Milda Ann Gassmann Burnett. She married William R. “Bill” Berutti on November 2, 1949, at SS Simon and Jude Church, Gillespie. He preceded her in death on February 15, 2020.
She was retired after having taught English in Roxana and Mt. Olive. She was also a pianist and vocalist for the Bill Berutti Combo. Gwen graduated Gillespie High School and SIUE, where she got her undergraduate degree in English, SIUC where she got her graduate degree in English and SIUE where she took post graduate classes. Gwen was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, WIBC (bowling), Musician’s Union Local AFM, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Roxana Education Association, Mt. Olive Education Association, SS Simon & Jude Church where she was a Eucharistic minister and lector, SS Simon & Jude Altar Society, and SS Simon and Jude/St. Joseph’s Bible Study.
She is survived by her niece, Coleen Schnell of WI, nephews, Michael Ganey, Kevin Ganey, several great nieces and great nephews. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, brothers, John Burnett, James Burnett, sisters, Arlene Burnett in infancy, Imogene Burnett in infancy, Gerri Ganey.
Friends may call on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery, Benld. Memorials are suggested to SS Simon & Jude Church or St. Joseph’s Church.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements