Bernice Lucille (Van Houten) Athey

Bernice Lucille Athey, age 90, of Casey, IL passed away at 4:47 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at her home.  She was born April 14, 1933 in Casey, IL the daughter of Art Van Houten and Lizzie (Hamilton) Van Houten.  On May 18, 1952 she married Delmar Wayne Athey in Casey, IL; he passed away on August 18, 2007.

Survivors include her children, Douglas Athey of Camby, IN; Dana Athey (Jacki) of Villa Grove, IL and LeAnn Akins (Ben) of Charleston, IL; grandchildren, Lori Nees (Jimmy), Shay Cianfa (Jefferson), Morgan Athey, Isabela Athey, Reesa Athey, Madeleine Stone (Trey) and Maggie Smith; great grandchildren, Camron Nees (Brenna), Carter Nees, Olivia Cianfa, Penelope Cianfa, Parker Stone, Nolan Stone and Charlie Todd; great great grandchildren, Oliver Nees and Wrenley Nees; step grandchildren, Gage Akins and Jacie Akins; step great grandaughter, AJ Bell; several nephews and nieces, her church family and many friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Art Van Houten and Lizzie Van Houten Barkhurst; husband, Delmar Athey; son, Steven Wayne Athey; grandson, Jon Athey; daughter in law, Mary Athey; brothers, Ivan Van Houten and Gene Van Houten and sisters, Saretta Perisho and Jane Turner.

Bernice was a 1951 graduate of Casey High School.  She was a devoted homemaker and farm wife.  Bernice loved flowers; she owned and operated The Bouquet Shoppe in Casey during the 1970’s.  From 1980 – 2000 she was employed as a C.N.A. for Birchwood Nursing Home and Lincolnland Visiting Nurses.  Bernice was a faithful member of Casey Westside church of Christ.  She was a very social person and enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and neighbors.   Bernice was a Trump supporter; enjoyed FOX News and was a “Peanuts” and Tom Selleck fan. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Markwell Funeral Home with Andy Brenton officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL.  Private family burial will be held in the Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice .

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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