Bette Gansch

Bette Jane Gansch of Washington, Illinois, died peacefully in her sleep at 10:20 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Washington Christian Village. She was born on Christmas Day, 1926, in Peoria, Illinois, to Mary and Albert Causey. Bette was preceded in death by her husband, Hayden "Doc" Gansch; her sister Margie Oliver; and her brothers Bob and Jimmy Causey. Surviving are her three daughters, Lynda Trembley of Peoria; Sandi (Michael) Cliff of Washington; Jacki Gansch of Columbus, Ohio; and one very special son-in-law who was every bit a son to her, Michael Cliff of Washington. Also surviving are her four loving grandchildren, Lisa (Brian), Roberts of Washington; Jeni (Charly) Britton-Bauer and Julie (Christian) Britton-Campbell, and Cole Kesterson of Columbus, Ohio; six great grandchildren, Lauren, Emma, Greta, Annie, Dashiell, and Henry. Bette met the love of her life, "Doc," at a skating rink in 1944. They married on August 5, 1945, and remained happily married for 65 years. They enjoyed traveling, which they did as often as possible. They traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Bahamas. They enjoyed retirement in Clearwater, Florida, where they made many new friends. Bette worked off and on throughout her life, but her real passion was being a homemaker where she excelled in cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, and taking pride in creating a well kept home. She was a loving mom, and a doting grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much joy to her life. She was our angel and will be remembered and missed for her love, her laughter, her stubbornness - and her potato salad! A funeral service will be held 11:00am, Tuesday, April 10, 2018, , with a visitation one hour prior to her service all at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. The Rev. Stephen Barch will officiate. Burial will follow at the Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria where Bette will be laid to rest for eternity next to her beloved "Doc." In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Peoria. To share memories and condolences with the family, visit wws.masonfuneralhomes.com.