Elizabeth K. Wiedenhoeft

Elizabeth (Bette) Kathryn Wiedenhoeft, 89, of Heartland Healthcare Center, Moline, formerly of Rock Island, died Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Heartland.

In accordance with her wishes, funeral services will be private.  Interment will take place at Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island.  Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island. or to Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley.  Hodgson Funeral Home, Rock Island, is assisting the family.

Elizabeth was born on Jan. 13, 1922, in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Cyril O. and Ada W. Jackson Reynolds.  She graduated from Rock Island Senior High School and attended Augustana College.  She married James H. Wiedenhoeft on June 5, 1948, in Rock Island.  He preceded her in death on Aug. 22, 1975.

Elizabeth worked for many years as a bookkeeper with The Rock Island Bank, Royal Neighbors of America, and the Rock Island Housing Authority, retiring in 1984.  She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island, and for more that 60 years was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 258 in Moline.

Mrs. Wiedenhoeft had a great love and compassion for animals, be it her own pets or animals in the wild.  In her younger years, she was a proud member of the horse-riding troupe the Cavalrettes with her horse, Brownie.  She supported many local animal shelters with donations, as well as Niabi Zoo.  Elizabeth was also an avid reader, and loved flowers, designing and planting the landscaping around her own home for many years.

Survivors (and spouses) include her daughters, Shari K. (Robert) Tomich, Andalusia, Debra L. Wiedenhoeft, Rock Island; granddaughters, April L. (Doug) Palmer, Taylor Ridge, and Elizabeth K. (John) Poulos, Rock Island; grandson, Robert M. (Emily) Tomich, Rock Island and great-grandchildren, Scott and Tyler Palmer and Brandon and Kathryn Poulos.  In addition to her husband, her parents and her beloved Lhasa Apso, Sheng La, preceded Mrs. Wiedenhoeft in death.