Betty Jane Bavis

Betty Jane Bavis, 77, of Collinsville, IL, formerly of Bradley, IL, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Gateway Regional Medical Center, in Granite City, IL.

She was born June 16, 1945, in Kankakee, IL to Francis and Dorothy (nee Rathermel) Hill. On June 5, 1970, she married the love of her life, Jimmie Bavis.

Betty was one of eleven children; she cherished her family and they meant everything to her. She was a devoted grandmother who loved to dote on her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Everybody always said that “Betty was the favorite Aunt”, and she loved all of her nieces and nephews. She would do anything for her family.

In her free time Betty enjoyed dining out with her friends, sometimes they could talk at a restaurant for hours. She collected any memorabilia having to do with monks and nuns, from porcelain figures to salt and pepper shakers. Betty loved to listen to Alan Jackson, and it was very clear that she was his number one fan. She was a treasured mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Jimmie Bavis; parents, Francis and Dorothy Hill; granddaughter, Ashley Michaels; siblings, Patricia Saathoff, Karen Hill, Brian Hill; brothers-in-law, Bob Saathoff, Skip Trebing, Sam Martino.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Liz (Walter) Michaels; granddaughter, Amanda Milosevich; great-grandchildren, Aiden Milosevich, Peyton Milosevich, Eli Milosevich, Hudson Milosevich; siblings, Phyllis (James) Karnes, Marilyn Martino, Judy (Marvin) Saathoff, Dennis Hill, Susan (Richard) Duncan, Kevin (Ellen) Hill, Tom Hill; sister-in-law, Ethel Trebing; fur babies, Cash & Zeus; numerous nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Visitation: Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Service: Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 7:00 PM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Clergy: Pastor Ron Habermehl

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.