Betty M Wurtz

Betty M. Wurtz of Harvard passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on September 22, 2023.

She was born in Harvard on August 17, 1939 to Clifton and Nora (Kath) Staab. After graduating from Harvard High School in 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, John “Gordon” Wurtz, on April 28, 1958 in Corinth, Mississippi and were fortunate to spend over 65 years together.

Betty had many interests that took her near and far. She enjoyed traveling the world on cruises with Gordon, traversing the countryside on motorcycles and snow mobiles, and living out her “snowbird” years in Florida and Arizona.

When she wasn’t traveling, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life including crossword puzzles, crocheting, playing cards, going to casinos, and spending time with her family. She spent many years as a proud member of the Harvard Moose and Trinity Lutheran Church. Betty was a treasured wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon, children Jeffrey (Julie) Wurtz, daughter Laura (Paul) Stricker, siblings John Staab, Marcia Brazier, sisters-in-law Carole Spickler and June Staab, grandchildren Jeremy (Heidi), Andrea, Aaron (Bre), Joshua, Jacob, and great-grandchildren Lyla, Alexa, and Aiden.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Nora, brothers Ken Staab and Raymond (Dorothy) Staab, sister-in-law Patricia Staab, and brothers-in-law James Brazier and Bruce Spickler.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 10 AM to 12 PM with a service to follow at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner Street, Harvard, IL. Interment will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Harvard following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 E. Diggins Street, Harvard, IL 60033.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more info at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.