Bernice E. Denton, age 93, of Flora, Illinois, passed away early Wednesday morning, September 18, 2019, at Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

   She was born August 12, 1926, in Clay County, the daughter of Lloyd “Jack” and Eva (Thompson) Strange.  She was united in marriage to Hershell B. Denton November 29, 1943, in Louisville and they shared 66 years of marriage prior to his death March 8, 2010.

   Bernice had worked for Sparton Manufacturing and later retired from North American Lighting, and will be remembered for how much she enjoyed spending time with her co-workers.  She and Hershell tended to an apple orchard on their property and sold apples for many years.  She took special pride in caring for her yard and orchard, and spent as much of her time outside as she could.  For over 65 years, Bernice was a faithful member of New Hope Pentecostal Church, and in the past had volunteered as part of the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary and as an election judge. 

   She is survived by her children: Sharon (Cecil) Atchison of Marion, Karen (Jerry) Tinsman of Flora, Terri Ettleson of Flora, and Toni (Darrell) Carder of Clay City; 9 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Jack Strange of Loveland, CO, Judy (Ken) McPherson of Lufkin, TX, and Von “Smokey” (Kay) Strange of Flora; daughter-in-law: Wanda Denton of Puxico, MO; sister-in-law: Catherine Cunningham of Flora; as well as many extended family members.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son: Forest Denton; grandson: Bryce Ettleson; siblings: Josephine Williams, Lorene Williams, Dorothy Strange, Donna Jean Brown, and Joyce Hall.

   A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Bro. Jeff Hough officiating.  Interment will follow in Bunker Cemetery, Rinard.  Visitation will be 12 noon until time of service on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to New Hope Pentecostal Church and will be accepted through the funeral home.