BRIDGEWATER, Betty Jean

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, April 20, 2003 Betty Jean Burch Bridgewater, The community loses a generous benefactor, leader, and volunteer with the death of Betty on Friday, April 18, 2003, following a short illness. Born in Kankakee on May 30, 1936, the daughter of Arthur Burch and Charlotte Sue Watson. She married James Bridgewater on April 30, 1974 in Kankakee. She formerly owned and managed the Burch Mobile Home Community and was co-owner of JB Sports and JB Auto Parts. Currently she owned BJ Insurance Company and shared ownership of Midwest Transit with her husband Jim. A former member of the Kankakee County Board she was very active in community affairs and was co-founder of the Bridgewater Foundation for Kankakee County area. Living her belief that to whomever much is given much is expected; Betty went beyond normal expectations in helping others. She supported the Kankakee Area Youth For Christ and was an active fundraiser and donor for Hospice of Kankakee River Valley. She was concerned for others and strived to improve the quality of life for so many. A member of College Church of the Nazarene, a 15 year member of the professional sorority Beta Sigma Phi, a 50 year member of the Eastern Star, the Kankakee Moose Lodge and the Kankakee Country Club. She is survived by and words can never express just how much she cherished her relationship with her husband Jim, mother Sue Burch, daughter Kimberlie Stuth and grandchildren Stephanie and Suzanne Suprenant and Taryn Stuth of Bourbonnais. Her son Phillip Fox of Bourbonnais and grandchildren Ryan and Karac Fox of Des Plaines, ILL. Stepson and wife Jim R. and Mary Bridgewater and step grandchildren Kasey, Kourtney, and Karley Bridgewater of Bourbonnais. Stepson and wife Joe and Beth Bridgewater and step grandchild Rebekah of Phoenix. Step daughter and husband Jeanne and Jeff Fitzgerald and step grandchildren Gabrielle, Aaron, and Ethan Fitzgerald of Phoenix and Janet and Bobby Jones of Phoenix, and children of Janet; Jason & Jessica Nebeker, of Phoenix, AZ. She is preceded in death by her father Arthur Burch, brother James Burch, and one granddaughter Stephanie Sue Suprenant. Described by her family and friends as a woman that lived life with dignity and grace, gave sacrificially and lovingly, honored her commitments, knew just what to do to make family and friends feel loved and accepted, and testified to the existence of God and the gift of his son, Jesus Christ. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 PM at the Bourbonnais Chapel of the Schreffler Funer-al Homes. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday at 10 AM at College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Officiating are Dr. Dan Boone, Dr. Jeff Crosno, & Rev. Deborah Bell. She will lie in state at the church from 9 AM until the time of service at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to Kankakee Area Youth For Christ and Hospice of Kankakee River Valley. Betty understood and wanted others to know that what made one special was "The Signature of God on One's Life". Her final message is from the word of God found in the Bible, Isaiah Chapter 43, and Verses 1 through 3. Do not fear for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you, through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flames burn. For I am the Lord Your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. For information call Schreffler Funeral Homes at 815-929-1401. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.