Bercha Nell Skelton of Marion

MARION - Bercha Nell Skelton, 85, of Marion, passed away at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Home in Herrin.

Bercha was born Jan. 12, 1933 in Marion, the daughter of Clifton and Loudene (Cash) Moore. She married William R. ("Dick") Skelton on June 14, 1952 in Pocahatus, Arkansas and together they shared over 54 years of marriage until his death on Jan. 3, 2008.

Following her graduation from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in social work, Bercha earned her master's of social work at the University of Illinois.

She retired from Choate Mental Health Hospital in Anna where she was a social worker. She was a member of Third Baptist Church of Marion.

Bercha enjoyed traveling with Dick and was his trusty navigator in their motor home, making their way all over the United States. She was always ready to try out new crafts and enjoyed setting up at craft fairs and selling her new ideas.

A master gardener, she enjoyed working in the yard and tending to her rose garden. But more than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family and cheering on her grandchildren.

Survivors include: Sons Rick (Sandy) Skelton of Carbondale, and Mike (Denise) Shelton of Miramar Beach, Florida; daughter Linda Thompson of Marion; four grandchildren, Amy Doss of Marion, Chuck Foster of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Michael Skelton of St. Louis and Andrew Skelton of St. Louis; six great-grandchildren, Jonathan Wagner of Marion, Elijah Doss of Marion, Camden Doss of Marion, Chase Foster of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Hannah Grace Foster of Las Cruces, New Mexico; a brother, C.W. (Mary Jo) Moore of Paducah; special friend Cari Elswick of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.

Bercha was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dick Skelton; and a daughter, Janet Lee Skelton.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, April 14 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, with the Rev. Andy Price officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

For those who prefer, memorials may be made to Celtic Hospice. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 N. Market St., Marion, 62959.

For additional information or to sign the guest register visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.