Betsy Birckelbaw

Betsy Jo. Birckelbaw, 70, of Bloomington, went home at 10 a.m. on Sep. 17 following a valiant fight with a prolonged illness. Her passing was peaceful, at home with her family at her side.

A Time of Remembrance will be at 7 p.m. on Monday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington with Pastor Spencer McPheron officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. prior to the service at the memorial home. Cremation rites have been accorded.

At Betsy’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Betsy was born on Jan. 4, 1945 in Bloomington, a daughter of Sheldon and Josephine Weakley Bates. She married William Birckelbaw on July 11, 1965 in Bloomington. He survives.

She is also survived by her children, Karen (Craig) Kopacek of Wisconsin, Brian (Carla) Birckelbaw of Bloomington and Kathy (Tony) Cushing of Bloomington; three granddaughters, Katie Birckelbaw, Jessie Birckelbaw and Lauren Cushing; and two special kids, Hannah and Spanky.

Preceding her in death are her parents; half brothers and several aunts and uncles.

For over 30 years, Betsy was her husband’s partner and driving force behind the success of “The Apple Barn” and Grandma’s Cottage. There she was known to her many faithful friends and customers as “The Pie Lady”, and as many new mothers would learn, she was the “Official Baby Inspector”.

After retiring from The Apple Barn in 2001, Betsy worked at Owen Nursery, Wal-Mart, The Citizens Bank of Chatsworth and finally at Flanagan State Bank.

As one who would always be busy, after her third retirement turned the office area of their home into a quilt factory. There, with the help from family members, she made over 80 quilts, which were donated to The Children’s Foundation to be given to the children to keep as their own. In her younger years, she showed her love for children as a Cub Scout Den Mother and taught Sunday school for many years. Children were always special to her and up to the end, Betsy always had a smile for them and continued to “inspect” any babies she saw wherever she was.

Betsy’s family wishes to thank Dr. Pilcher and the staff at Bloomington Primary Care, Dr. Clark and his staff, and the staff at Advocate BroMenn for the care and compassion they extended to her.

Online condolences and memories of Betsy may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.