Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Gwen Lucille Berutti, 94, of Gillespie, Ill., died at Carlinville Rehab Center in Carlinville on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. She was born March 1, 1929, in Gillespie, to John L. Burnett and Milda Ann Gassmann Burnett. She married William R. "Bill" Berutti on Nov. 2, 1949, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie. He preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 2020.

She was retired after having taught English in Roxana and Mt. Olive. She was also a pianist and vocalist for the Bill Berutti Combo. Gwen graduated from Gillespie High School, SIUE where she got her undergraduate degree in English, SIUC where she got her graduate degree in English, and SIUE where she took post graduate classes. Gwen was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, WIBC (bowling), Musician's Union Local AFM, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Roxana Education Association, Mt. Olive Education Association, SS Simon & Jude Church where she was a Eucharistic minister and lector, SS Simon & Jude Altar Society, and SS Simon & Jude/St. Joseph's Bible Study.

She is survived by her niece, Coleen Schnell of Wisconsin; nephews, Michael Ganey, Kevin Ganey; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, John Burnett, James Burnett; and sisters, Arlene Burnett in infancy, Imogene Burnett in infancy, and Gerri Ganey.

Friends may call on Friday, Nov. 3, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4 until 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery in Benld.

Memorials are suggested to SS Simon & Jude Church or St. Joseph's Church. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.