M. Bernice Springman

Dateline: Godfrey M. Bernice Springman, passed away at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the Methodist Village in Godfrey at the age of 96. Bernice was born on November 22, 1919 in Hamburg, MO to George William Rogers and Ida Florence (Wallace) Rogers. She married Leo J. Springman on August 3, 1937 in St. Charles, MO. They resided in Kampsville, IL until 1948 when they moved to Godfrey. Bernice was the youngest of eight children and loved playing baseball. She had an eighth grade education and in 1965 she obtained her GED and enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing course at the Olin’s Vocational School of Practical Nursing. Bernice graduated 2nd in her class and subsequently began her nursing career at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Alton, where she was beloved by all of the nuns. After leaving St. Anthony’s, she went to work for Dr. Norman Taylor and finally retired at the age of 70 in 1990. Bernice had been a “Pink Lady” volunteer at Alton Memorial Hospital and participated in PTA and Mother’s Club at McKinley Grade School. She attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Godfrey. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Avery, Forrest, Harvey, Vencil, Goldie, Lois and Mae; her husband, Leo in 2002 and her son-in-law, John Hudson in 2015. She is survived by her son, Leo Michael Springman (Trudi) and daughters, Deborah Springman Hudson and Melinda Springman Hartman (Neill). Also surviving are her grandchildren, Michelle Tate, Michael Lee Springman, Tracy Springman, Russell Springman, Crystal Garrett, Mary Milford, Ronald Springman, Aaron Springman, Jamie Springman, Kristine Uffelman, Stephanie Simpson, Brent Hartman, Chelsea Kennedy, and Jennifer Hartman. She is also survived by 27 great grandchildren, several great great grandchildren, two nieces and three nephews. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend David Heyen will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Village Benevolence Fund c/o United Methodist Village, 5201 Asbury Ave., Godfrey, IL 62035. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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M. Bernice Springman

November 22, 1919 - June 15, 2016