Elizabeth J. Bast

Elizabeth J. (Betty) Bast, 85 of Freeport died on Friday, August 9, 2013 at Manor Court of Freeport. Betty was born on August 16, 1927 in Annawan, IL., the daughter of Arthur E. and Lottie (Stevens) Palmer. Betty married Robert (Bob) Bast on June 15th, 1947. For many years she worked for Drs. Hyslop and Loucius and after that at the Freeport Clinic. She was a PTA President at First Ward School, Sunday School Teacher and long time choir member at Main Street EUB Church. She later became a member of First Presbyterian Church. Betty was active in Eastern Star, White Shrine, Order of the Amaranth, Scottish Rite Women'™s Club & the Ladies Auxiliary to Freeport Commandery, in which she held numerous offices. She accompanied Bob on his many Masonic visits around Illinois and Wisconsin. They also made many trips over the years to the Shriners Children'™s Hospital in Oak Park, taking local children there in need of medical treatment. She was an accomplished knitter, enjoyed baking and was known for her famous Apple Dumplings and family favorite Sour Cream Drop Cookies. She loved to travel and camp throughout the country, but especially at Buffalo Lake, near Minocqua, Wisconsin. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, who passed away August 20, 2011, her parents, her sisters Muriel Jean (Walter) Hinz and Joan (Art) Armagost, as well as an infant granddaughter, Heather Marie Bast and sons-in-law, David Winter and Allen McAllister. Surviving her are son David (Jean) Bast, daughters Janet Winter and Barbara McAllister, grandchildren Amy (Greg) Sukolowsky, Rob (Amanda) Bast, Bryan Bast and Justin Bast, as well as her four nieces and two nephews. 'Mother was quite a lady and we will all miss her very much.' Special thanks to the caregivers of Manor Court and Hawthorne Inn at Liberty Village where Betty has resided for the past few years, as well as the FHN Hospice Team for their excellent care and professionalism in caring for her, along with their kindness and support to us. At her request cremation rites have been accorded and arrangements handled by Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. A memorial, in her memory, is being established for the United Presbyterian Church, where a Service of Celebration for Betty'™s life will be held on Friday, August 23rd at 11:00 AM. A luncheon, at the church, will follow.