Sept.
30, 1920 - Jan. 15, 2010MISHAWAKA - Betty L. Geerligs, 89, of Mishawaka, passed away Friday evening in the Sanctuary at St. Paul's, South Bend. Betty was born September 30, 1920, in Union Mills, Indiana, a daughter of the late Urbin and Edith (Pullin) Mentzer. She grew up in Mishawaka and graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1938. Her life was spent living in the Mishawaka / South Bend area. On January 5, 1946, Betty married Frank Geerligs, who preceded her in death in 1986. Betty loved being a homemaker. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed baking, making crafts and artwork, including oil and water color painting. The family enjoyed camping together. Betty was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka, where she sang in the choir and was the Carillon player until she was 80 years old. Betty was a talented musician, playing the organ, cello, violin and trombone. Most of all she loved her family and was always there when needed. Betty's surviving family includes her four children, Jackie (Jerry) Minix of Granger, John Geerligs of Indianapolis, Patti (Chuck) Ammerman of Mishawaka and Phil (Susan) Geerligs of Mishawaka; five grandchildren, Colleen Spano, Chad Ammerman, Lindsey Ammerman, Sadie Geerligs and Garick Geerligs; and five great-grandchildren. Besides her husband Frank, Betty was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jeff Auten, four brothers and two sisters. Friends may spend time with Betty's family Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka. Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. in First United Methodist Church, 210 East Third Street, Mishawaka, with Pastor Larry Whitehead officiating. The family will also receive friends Friday from 10 - 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Contributions in Betty's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church or to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care. Envelopes will be available in the funeral home and at the church. Betty's family would like to express special thanks to the staff at St. Paul's for the wonderful care she received.