1921
2015
Bette L. Gleich, 93, of Chillicothe, died the morning of May 22, 2015 at St. Joseph Nursing Home in Lacon where she called home for the past fifteen months.
Bette was born in Springfield, Illinois on July 23, 1921, the sister of three older brothers: Ron, Jack, and Bob Meredith, all of whom proceeded her in death.
She married Jack L. Gleich in 1941 in Kewanee, Illinois and enjoyed 67 years with him until his death in 2008. They raised four sons, Jim (and Susie) of Chillicothe, Jack (and Nancy) of Princeville, Ron and Bill of Enterprise, Oregon. They loved and cherished their eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Jack and Bette spent their early lives wherever Jack’s Navy assignments took him and, after the war, in and around Kewanee. In 1956, they purchased the locker plant in Chillicothe, Illinois. They would call Chillicothe home for the rest of their lives.
Bette lived for her family and friends. She was an active supporter and fan of all their activities, and rarely missed a game or school event, even while working daily at the locker plant or helping out at her son Bill’s restaurant. She and Jack took up golf while in their forties when they joined Arrowhead Country Club, making many lasting friendships. She had a passion for the White Sox and oldies music that lasted a lifetime.
Always a practicing Christian, Bette and Jack were instrumental in founding St. Francis Episcopal church in Chillicothe (currently located in Lake of the Woods.)
Bette will be remembered as a role model for motherhood, matriarchy, her sense of humor, her good-naturedness, and most of all her smile.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private interment services will be at graveside in Kewanee. Davison-Fulton Anderson Chapel in Chillicothe is in charge of arrangements.
Please send memorials to St Francis Episcopal Church and leave remembrances at www.DavisonFultonAndersonChapel.com
Finally, the family wishes to sincerely thank all the staff at St. Joseph Nursing Home for their considerate and compassionate care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 31, 2015
Rich and Marty Schlink
LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. BETTE WILL BE MISSED THOUGH SHE LIVES ON IN EACH OF YOU.
May 25, 2015
I have so many great memories of Bette from working at Bill's & Arrowhead. She was a very special person & no one (and I mean not even my Mom) could touch Bette's vegetable beef soup...sooo good!!! I am so sorry for your loss but I celebrate the wonderful, long life she so richly deserved and the legacy she leaves behind. God bless you all! Sandi (Romane) Elwell
May 25, 2015
Jim, Jack, Ron & Bill,
Just returned from Washington DC and saw that your Mother had passed. Some of the greatest memories of high school are of the times we spent at your place and how great your Mother was to all of us. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Tom Kraft
May 25, 2015
Bette was a beautiful, sweet, sincere lady. She and Jack made me laugh! She will be missed!
Kathy Scott
May 24, 2015
Kierra Shindley
So sorry to hear about Bette, she was an amazing lady. I had the pleasure of doing her hair for almost 9-10 years and she always enjoyed seeing me and my children and wanted the weekly updates of them like any grandma would, a truly amazing lady, thinking of you all. Kierra shindley
May 24, 2015
Carolyn and I wish you all our deepest condolences on the death of Bette. Both of you parents always made me feel like a "fifth" son!
Bill Kraft
May 24, 2015
Carolyn and I want to express our condolences for the loss of your Mother. Both of your parents always made me feel like a "fifth" son! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill Kraft
May 23, 2015
Marge Dell
Gleich Family,
Bette was a favorite of mine while
I was working at Arrowhead. She had
a wonderful life and you will have so
many memories.
May 23, 2015
John Gamage
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Bette. I enjoyed seeing her at church.
May 23, 2015
Linda Menold- Eddy
Sorry to hear about your loss-Deepest Sympathy to all of you
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Funeral services provided by:
Davison-Fulton/Anderson Chapel815 North Fourth Street, Chillicothe, IL 615232054
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more