Elizabeth “Bette” Awerkamp
It is with great sadness the children of Elizabeth “Bette” Awerkamp announce her passing on May 26, 2018 after a brief illness at the age of 91 years. Bette was born July 8, 1926 to Theodore and Bessie (Ducey) McCaughey in rural Adams County near Mendon, Illinois. A graduate of Quincy Senior High School, Bette married Thomas J. Awerkamp on April 10, 1948. He preceded her in death on July 2, 1992.
Together Tom and Bette raised ten children, but Bette was the guiding hand in the home with an exemplary work ethic, who stressed the importance of honesty, kindness and humor. Bette enjoyed baking pies, playing bridge, one daily vodka and tonic, dancing and watching PGA golf, not necessarily in that order. Bette was funny, resilient, patient, witty, feisty, selfless, opinionated, stylish and gentle. Again, not necessarily in that order. Bette was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. In addition to raising a family Bette also worked full time after her youngest started school at the Illinois Driver’s License Bureau, the Quincy City Engineering Department, and finally, Awerkamp & McClain, P.C.
She will be sadly missed by her children, Mary Lucinda (Mike) McClain, Mary Suzanne (Dan) Obringer, Mary Beth Awerkamp, Mary Jo Viau, Ted T. (Tena) Awerkamp, James A. (Karen) Awerkamp, Mary Ann (Bob) Dickson, Mary Julia (Craig) Halpin, Mary Ellen (Don) Gravlin and Arthur J. (Cindy) Awerkamp.
Bette cherished her grandchildren, Kyle (Kelly) Awerkamp, Katie Awerkamp, Ryan (Kristin) Platt, Lauren Platt, Alex Awerkamp, Max Viau, Kristina (Adam) Hicks, Nicole (Kevin) McAllister, Allison Awerkamp, Melanie Gravlin, Tom Gravlin, Chrissie Dickson, Patrick (Sarah) McClain, Colleen (Billy) Ogden, Daniel (Melissa) McClain, Joe (Jennifer) Obringer, Annie Obringer and Emily (Michael) Keller. The spark of her final days were her great-grandchildren: Reid Platt, Luke, Hailey and Emma Awerkamp, Zoe and Rowan McClain, Fiona McClain, and Sean, Katie and Mac Ogden. Regretfully she will miss the arrival of Baby Boy Hicks and Baby Boy Platt. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to her husband, Bette was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Emily Gravlin, a son-in-law, Pierre Viau, and all her siblings; Rosemary Lear, Kay Wastler, Lucy Steinkamp, Rita Koetters, Ginny Powell, Joseph McCaughey and the Reverend Gerald McCaughey.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. Interment in St. Boniface Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials: The Tom and Bette Awerkamp Scholarship at Quincy Notre Dame, The Tom and Bette Awerkamp Scholarship at Quincy University or the Blessing Foundation.
Dear Awerkamp Family, Our families have been friends for as long as I am able to remember, so this loss touches deeply into my roots. My memories of your Mother will always be of a strong, passionate, opinionated woman who led by example. There was nothing luke warm about her. May your faith sustain you during this difficult time. With fondest memories and prayers,
Martha and Duncan
Dear Awerkamp Family (and there are many of you)-so glad you had so many wonderful years with your mother. Our condolences, Lisa & Tom
Art and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
To Ann and your entire family,
My Morher told me she was at your Moms visitation. So I just heard about your Mother. I am so sad for all of you. Your Mom was a mainstay, a solid, stable influence in my life. She was just always there. I never wanted to cross Mr and Mrs Awerkamp! They would always do the right thing – especially when we didn’t! All of you are such a wonderful testament to her! Ann, I certainly know where your wit comes from!
Mom said she saw her in church just a couple weeks ago with “some of her daughters”.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Nothing can replace our Moms.
My heart aches for all of you.
With our deep and abiding sympathy in the loss of your Mother.
You are in our prayers and thoughts, always.
Dear Cinda, Mike and Awerkamp family,
We send our deep condolences as we honor the remarkable life of your mother. May God be with you as you perpetuate their memory and carry on the lgood deeds of a special family.
Aunt Bette. She was a bright light to all her nieces who needed a strong and inspiring woman in their lives. She always said what needed to be said and then moved on to the next project. I always felt she actually “heard” what I said, and that sums up my love for this great lady. Her importance was because she made a generation of young women feel important. What a wonderful life she had.
Cinda- We are so sorry for your loss, I remember your Mom fondly. Whenever I would come in your offices on Broadway she always was so pleasant and knew us by name. Blessings to the whole family.
Art and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
Mom and Dad are dancing in the heavens!! Jesus said to your Mom—a job well done, enter here forever! peace to you all.
Amazing woman who raised wonderful children.
Ted,
I’m sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, may God comfort you and your family.
Cinda and family,
Our prayers are with you all. Your mom was a remarkable woman. Condolences to you
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Paul & Janise
Your mother was very kind to my mother, Bonnie Tuttle. Mom always spoke quite highly of both her and her daughter Lucinda. Prayers for comfort as you celebrate her life.
My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. May the “…God of all comfort…” be with you during this time of sadness. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) ~ (Psalm 83:18)
To the entire family our deepest sympathy to you all.
To my Awerkamp Friends: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. As you know, I knew your mom and all of you almost all my life, and I have always had the deepest respect and admiration for Mrs. Awerkamp. Many fond memories on Cherry Street. Peace and God’s blessings…Karen and family