Betty A. Shenkel
- Visitation Dates and Times
Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 9:00-10:45 a.m.
- Visitation Location
Moss Funeral Home ~ Breese
- Service Date
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Service Time
11:00 a.m.
- Service Location
St. Dominic Catholic Church ~ Breese
- Full Obituary
Betty A. Shenkel, age 85, of Breese, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Trenton Village. She was born September 2, 1939, in Breese, a daughter of the late Victor and Alma, nee Middeke, Trame. Betty married Larry Shenkel on September 30, 1983, in Edwardsville and he preceded her in death on June 7, 2012.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by sisters Mary and Margaret Trame (twins in infancy) and a brother, Paul Trame.
Betty is survived by her children, Glenn (Nira Ballentini) Rakers of Highland, Mary Kay (Lloyd) Schrage of Aviston, Tom (Michell) Rakers of Jamestown, Mike (Jill) Rakers of Breese, Mark Rakers of Highland, and Patty (Duane) Zurliene of Breese; step-daughter, Kathryn (Jack) Wagner of Columbia, MO; grandchildren, Courtney (fiancé Sean Carver) Breckenridge, Stephanie (Ryan) Henrichs, Eric Rakers, Dani (Nick) Hilmes, Aaron Schrage, Rishell (Craig) Mueller, Jake (Becky) Rakers, Josh (Lisa) Rakers, Ashley (Travis) Short, Danielle (Joe McGee) Rakers, Alex (Mackenzie Burgett) Rakers, Brooke (Zach) Scott, Matt (Chelsey Jones) Zeisset, and Jenny (Tyler) Becker; numerous great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Joe (Glenda) Trame of St. Rose; and a sister-in-law, Donna Trame of Highland.
Betty retired in 2002 from the Department of Human Services in Greenville. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and a former member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Pocahontas, where she was active in the Altar Sodality and Parish Council.
She gave generously of her time to many community organizations, including the Bond County Board of Health, Bond County Senior Citizens, Bond-Madison Workforce Innovation Board, and the HSHS Holy Family Hospital Auxiliary in Greenville.
Betty’s interests varied as she was a talented violinist, an avid reader, and a devoted card player, having been part of the same pinochle club for over fifty years. Above all, she cherished her time with family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—and shared a deep love for her dogs, Ginger and Baxter.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. James Nall presiding. Private interment will take place at Robinson Cemetery in Pocahontas.
Visitation will be Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 9:00-10:45 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Dominic Church, St. Bonaventure Indian Mission, PO Box 610, Thoreau, NM 87323-0610, Trenton Village Activity Fund, or in the form of masses and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
