Bernice Aletha (Derrer) Martin, age 95 passed to her heavenly reward November 3, 2024. Bernice was born, June 7, 1929 in Lanark, IL, the youngest daughter of Earl and Esther Derrer.

She attended Lanark schools, there she excelled at Home Economics, learned to be a proficient typist, and played baritone in the band. It was at Lanark High School where she met the love of her life, and future husband, Lloyd Martin. She graduated in 1947, began working  at Crum and Forester, and was married to Lloyd in September 1948 at the Church of the Brethren, in Lanark. Following the wedding the couple took a 3 week honeymoon. This would be the first of many traveling adventures the couple would take together.

Bernice and Lloyd then started their married life together by farming on her parents farm, west of Lanark. They began a family here, with their first two children, Douglas and Deborah. They then moved to Derinda, making many friends and fond memories at Derinda Trinity Lutheran Church, where they were active members. 1959 brought a move to Pleasant Valley near Elizabeth. Here Bernice was the church pianist. In search of more level farming land, the young family bought a farm west of Freeport, IL. During this time Bernice also briefly worked for Mrs. Mike's, Freeport's famous potato chip maker. While in Freeport, they later expanded their family with two more daughters, Patricia, and Amy. The family joined St John United Church of Christ in Freeport.

The couples love of the west moved them to Corvallis, Montana. They sold their Freeport farm in 1973, and moved, with their two youngest daughters, to fulfill their dream of ranch living. Here they raised cattle and sold machinery, their ranch was nestled in the Bitterroot Valley. Bernice enjoyed taking some art classes and playing the organ in her spare time.

Because of their strong love of family, they moved back to the Shannon area in 1976, when their first grandchild, Auburn, was born. They joined Bethel United Methodist Church where they were active members the rest of their lives.

Bernice sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and used her wonderful baking skills to help with church social functions, including school treats for her kids. The couple enjoyed friends coming to play cards and games, Bernice loved creating special desserts to serve for these occasions.

Cake decorating became a new hobby and outlet for her creativity She piped beautifully iced cakes for birthdays, graduations, and other special events. Bernice learned to sew from the time she was a young girl, starting with embroidering tea towels and pillowcases. She advanced quickly and was extremely proficient, sewing many of her children's clothes, and even dabbled in quilt making. She was such an accomplished seamstress that she even made dresses for her daughter's for dances, prom, and other big events. She sewed her youngest daughter Amy's wedding dress, including the dresses for the bridesmaids, and for the flower girl, who was one of her granddaughters.

Bernice loved to garden, growing a large variety of vegetables, berries, and fruits.  She canned and froze her bounty for her family to enjoy. She enjoyed maintaining and growing beautiful displays of flowers. She loved animals, and cared for the farm cats, earning her the name, Kitty Grandma, to her grandchildren.

A positive outlook on things and a kind word was her way, and she did not speak ill of people. Her kindness wove a thread through her whole life. She had an unwavering work ethic and did not shy away from any task or labor. She could often be seen driving the hay wagon, splitting wood with Lloyd, and working her large garden of vegetables and fruits.

Bernice made it her life's work to be a faithful believer in God, a loving and devoted wife, an excellent homemaker, and an attentive and caring mother and grandmother. She led by example in her faith and all the things that she felt were important to impart.

Bernice is survived by her four children, Douglas (Linda) Martin of Lena, IL, Deborah (Mike) Cieliesz of Freeport, IL, Patricia (Gale) Miller of Shannon, IL, Amy (Steven) Kenneke of Lantana, TX. Nine grandchildren: Auburn, Angie, Brandon, Bryan, Brittany, Bradley, Faith, Isabelle, and Caleb. Six Great grandchildren Paisley, Jade, Jameson, Jackson, Brylee, and Baker.  Three step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, her parents, Earl and Esther Derrer, brother,  Carson Derrer, sister, Marian Calhoun, and an infant son.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00, Sunday, November 17 at Bethel United Methodist Church. There will be a viewing at 10:00AM, prior to the funeral at 10:30, on November 18, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon. Pastor Jeremiah Lee will officiate. Interment will be at the Lanark Cemetery. Condolences may be shared through Schwarz Funeral Home, Freeport/Lanark.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.