Elsie Bethards

COBDEN, Ill. — Elsie Lorene Bethards, 83, of Cobden, formerly of Villa Ridge, Ill., died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at her home.

She was born April 5, 1925, in Carterville, Ill., daughter of Walter and Grace Keener Hawkins. She and Gerald Bethards were married Nov. 9, 1944. He died April 7, 1994.

Bethards was a member of Villa Ridge Union Church and, along with her husband, pastored Villa Ridge Union Church, Cobden Congregational Church and Boaz Anderson Church more than 40 years. She served as personal secretary to her husband in their ministry of 50 years. She played the organ at the Villa Ridge and Cobden churches.

In her youth she was employed at Holden Hospital. In later years she was employed at the post office in Villa Ridge.

Survivors include two daughters, Susan Middleton and Jean Britt of Cobden; a sister, Mary Camden of Anna, Ill.; a brother, Reuben Hawkins of Cobden; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cobden Congregational Church, with the Revs. Bryan Morrison, Larry Buckles and Oscar Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in Alto Pass Cemetery.