Bettie J. Sortwell

Bettie J. Sortwell, 76, of Kewanee, died Thursday, September 15, 2022, at her home. Bettie was born June 12, 1946, in Joplin, MO, the daughter of Lewis and Thelma (Tieso) McGuirk. Bettie married John Sortwell on July 9, 1962; he preceded her in death on June 21, 2003.

Bettie is survived by two daughters, Kellie Loudenburg, Bradford, Patricia (Mike) Hummel, Moline; two grandsons, Christopher Medley and Timothy Davenport, Jr. (Stephanie Wright); great grandson, Nickolas Buckwalter; special niece, Kimberly Knowles; half-sister, Mary Knowles; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents; stepfather, Marion Knowles; husband; two brothers, Jim McGuirk, Bob McGuirk; one half-brother, Eddie Knowles; and two half-sisters, Thelma Jean Knowles, Ann Cooper.

Bettie worked as a bus driver for 27+ years and worked as a custodian for the Kewanee School District after she retired from driving. She enjoyed crafting and cooking. Bettie made memory bears for family and friends. Hand crafted teddy bears for OSF Children's Hospital and for the kids at school. She enjoyed sewing, teaching people how to sew, taking sewing machines that needed repair, fixing them, and giving them away. She also enjoyed taking care of her goats and making soap from their milk. Bettie also enjoyed traveling the United States and spending Friday nights with friends.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Bettie's residence. Memorials may be made to OSF Children's Hospital, Peoria. There will be a private burial at the Mineral Cemetery. Please leave an online condolence for Bettie's family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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