Betty Lou (Conrad) Ertel — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Betty Lou (Conrad) Ertel, 92, of Quincy, died 11:05am, February 14, 2025, at Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living in Quincy, IL. She was born December 30, 1932 to Olive Ferne (Elliott) Conrad and Harold (Konny) Conrad in Kirksville, MO.
Betty attended Quincy High School where she showed her natural enthusiasm and energy as a cheerleader & journalist. She went on to study nursing at Blessing Nursing School and became an RN in 1953. She worked as a nurse at Blessing Hospital, Good Samaritan Home, and Cheerful Home. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family to the many lives she touched as a nurse. She later volunteered at the Salvation Army Auxiliary.
She married the love of her life, Richard L. Ertel, on November 28, 1953. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership until Richard’s passing on April 29, 2019. Together, they enjoyed 65 years together, raising 3 daughters, who became Betty’s pride and joy. She loved her home that she and her husband built together. Betty especially loved children and animals and cared for over 80 animals over her lifetime. She often took in stray animals, nursed them to health and enjoyed them as pets.
There was always a project going on with her as Betty had such a diversity of interests: sewing, crocheting, knitting, restoring furniture, line dancing, card playing, reading, playing the organ, gardening, garage saling, and wordsmithing. When someone would visit they always went home with a new plant or crocheted practical creation. Yet, above all, it was her family that brought her the most joy. She reveled in every opportunity to be with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her faith was also an important part of her life. She was a 65 year member of St. James Lutheran Church.
Betty was proceeded in death by her husband, her parents and one brother, Harold Wayne Conrad, Jr.
She is survived by 3 daughters: Judith (Scott) Reichard of Urbana, IL, Susan (Lloyd) Keiber of Wellington, FL, Jayne Ertel of Oak Park, IL. Her grandchildren are: Rachel (Chris) Sullivan of Marina Del Rey, CA, David Nathan Reichard of Chicago, IL, Ruth (Bill) Walter of Savoy, IL, Alyse (Luca) Bertagnoli of Bradenton, FL, Tiffany (Ian) Ertel-Hoppie of Denver, CO, and Megan (Bryan) Lembo of Wellington, FL. She also has 11 great-grandchildren: Gianna, Briella, Josephine, Emma, Adelaide, Austin, Sofia, Mia, Eliana, Bear and Aoife. Her warmth, enthusiasm, crafting, and cheering for us all will stay with us the rest of our lives.
Visitation and Funeral will be held at O’Donnell-Cookson Funeral Home, 1435 State St., Quincy, IL. Visitation is on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10-11am. Funeral will follow at 11am. The Revs. Matt Riley and Marlin Rempfer will be officiating. A brief graveside service will follow in Greenmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to: St. James Lutheran School, 900 S. 17th St., Quincy, IL 62301.

Online condolences can be sent to www.ODonnellCookson.com.