Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Pavolka, 85, of Nokomis, died on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, with her family by her side.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis, with Father Michael Meinhart officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.
Mrs. Pavolka was born on March 10, 1940, in Coalton, the daughter of Tony Brandalise and Mary (Zueck) Brandalise. She spent her life in central Illinois with her family.
On June 13, 1964, Mrs. Pavolka married Michael Pavolka Jr. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis. They shared many years together and Mrs. Pavolka took great pride in caring for her husband and their home.
Mrs. Pavolka was employed as a secretary for the State of Illinois and later at Golden Manor Nursing Home. She was a longtime member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis.
In her free time, Mrs. Pavolka enjoyed sewing and was a talented seamstress. She also loved to bake and could often be found browsing garage sales in search of a good find, which was one of her favorite things to do.
Mrs. Pavolka is survived by her children, Michael (Cheryl) Pavolka of St. Charles, MO and Sandy Stevens of Nokomis; grandchildren, Zachary (Haley) Stevens of Nokomis, Michael (Ashlee) Pavolka of Wright City, MO, Mariah (Derek) Archibald of Nokomis and Megan (Will) Webb of Wentzville, MO; and great-grandchildren, Naomi Stevens, Mila Stevens, Lincoln Webb, Wren Archibald, Adalynn Archibald and Jackson Pavolka.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Michael Pavolka Jr.; and her half-sister, Edith Kocur.
Memorials may be made to St. Louis Catholic Church or Nokomis Christian Missions for senior meals. Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.stiehldawsonfh.com.
