Betty J. Bledsaw, 86

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Betty Jean Bledsaw, 86, died on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Tremont Ridge in Hillsboro, surrounded by her family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro beginning at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held an hour prior starting at 10 a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. Stefan Munker will officiate.

Ms. Bledsaw was born on Nov. 12, 1938, in Hillsboro to her parents Ray Logan and Phyllis (Matthews) Bledsaw. She attended Schram City Grade School from 1944 to 1952 and Hillsboro High School from 1952 to 1956. She graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in education. In 1965, Ms. Bledsaw attended the NDEA Science Institute at Western Illinois University in Macomb. In 1978, she earned her master’s degree in education at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.

Ms. Bledsaw was a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers’ Association, the Montgomery County Retired Teachers’ Association, Illinois Education Association, National Education Association, the Phi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Edwardsville Education Association and the Madison County Historical Museum in Edwardsville.

Ms. Bledsaw headed class reunions for Schram City School and Hillsboro High School, the Vacation Bible School and Ladles of Love programs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro. She also provided private tutoring for over 20 students free of charge and she volunteered for the TEAL and GED programs at Lincoln Land Community College. Ms. Bledsaw taught grades one, four and five at Glen Carbon School from 1960 to 1993.

Ms. Bledsaw is survived by her brother, Ray Allen (Sharon) Bledsaw and sister, Alice McDice, both of Hillsboro; nephews, Kenny (Teresa) McDice and Kevin (Tina) McDice; a niece Heidi (Mike) Bullock; and several great-nieces and nephews; and a few great-great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nephew, Ryan Bledsaw and brother-in-law, Connie McDice.

Memorials may be directed towards Hillsboro St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Ladles of Love program, the Hillsboro Education Foundation, or the Hillsboro Sports Association. Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.houghfuneralhome.com.