Betty Bucher

CAIRO, Ill. -- Betty Gray Bucher, 95 of Cairo died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 19, 1923, in Cairo, the daughter of Brantley and Bessie Mae Gray Kerley. She married Joseph C. "Jay" Bucher on Jan. 28, 1946, and he preceded her in death Aug. 17, 1992.

Betty was very involved with Magnolia Manor and Customs House in Cairo. She was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church in Cairo and served as secretary and was active in Presby Tips Foundation. Betty loved to play bridge and was an avid reader and an accomplished knitter. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. In 1981, Betty earned her associate degree in accounting from Shawnee Community College and kept up with the times until dementia took her in her early 90s.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Swoboda and Mary Ann Pilotte; daughter-in-law, Tammy Bucher; and grandchildren, Stephen Swoboda, Gregory Swoboda, Karissa Bucher and Kellie Bucher.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jay Bucher; son, Barry Bucher; son-in-law, Gibby Swoboda; brother, Dwight L. Kerley; and sister, Geraldine Goodman.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Brother Wiley Godfrey officiating. Inurnment will follow in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Magnolia Manor and will be accepted at the funeral home.