Alberta K. "Birtie" Bauer, 85, of Troy, Ill., born March 19, 1923, in Alhambra, Ill., died Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at University Care and Rehab Center.

Birtie enjoyed helping her husband on the family farm, enjoyed dancing, quilting and crocheting. She also had many fond memories working as a custodian at Triad High School.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Bauer whom she married on Oct. 28, 1942, at Eden United Church of Christ in Edwardsville, and who died, Jan. 26, 1978; parents, Louis and Minnie, nee Lienmann, Braundmeier and Walter and Elise Nolte who raised Birtie from the age of seven; a brother, Leroy Braundmeier; and two sisters, Lenora Meier and Elva Waltenbaugh.

Surviving are her six children, Larry Bauer of Belleville, Ill., Rick (Elizabeth) Bauer of Baton Rouge, La., Dennis Bauer of Greenville, Ill., Betty (Mel) Hargrave of Hayes, Va., Carol Wellen of Edwardsville, Ill., and Denise Henke of Edwardsville, Ill.; 14 grandchildren, Brian and Justin Hargrave, Lana Evans, Ryan, Brandon and Christopher Bauer, Cory and Stacy Wellen, Kristen and Mathew Henke, Rachel and Kevin Bauer, and Jennifer and Michelle Andrews; and three great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Haley and Samuel Hargrave.

Memorials may be made to Frieden's United Church of Christ, Troy, Ill.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, at Laughlin-Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, Ill., and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at Frieden's United Church of Christ, Troy, Ill.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at Frieden's United Church of Christ, Troy, Ill., with Rev. Scott Hawker officiating. Burial will be in Frieden's Cemetery, Troy, Ill.

LAUGHLIN-RICHESON
FUNERAL HOME, Troy, Ill.