Bernot

Wanda Kaye (Huffman) Bernot, 77, of Benld, Ill., was freed from the shackles of Alzheimer’s Disease on April 22, 2024. She passed peacefully with family by her side at the Community Hospital of Staunton, Ill. A poetic end for she was a selfless person.

Wanda was born Sept. 7, 1946 in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of the late Vernon and Gladys (Conner) Huffman. She was raised in Staunton, Ill., and she was a graduate of Staunton High School. She married Pete Bernot on Feb. 20, 1965 in Benld and he preceded her in death on April 21, 2018. They lived in Benld where they raised their only child, Jeff, who survives.

Wanda dedicated her time to a career in public service by working for the State of Illinois. Much of her work for the state was spent with the Department of Public Aid as a Caseworker and Director in the Carlinville Field Office. She was also a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. Wanda never shied away from helping people. After retirement, she served as Benld’s City Clerk and served on the Gillespie CUSD No. 7 Site Selection Committee for the location of the new elementary school.

She leaves behind her son, Jeffrey A. Bernot, Benld; three grandchildren, Rylee Bernot (Cassidy), Benld, Peyton Bernot, Benld, and Ashleigh Feldmann (Daniel), Staunton; four great-grandchildren, Elexia, Jace, Jax, and Emreigh; sister, Rita Soens, Williamson; niece, Sherry Warren (Mike); and two great-nieces, Shelby and McKenzie.

Visitation and Funeral Services were held on April 29 and April 30 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. A Memorial Service followed the Funeral Services on April 30 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, and Pastor Dane Solari officiated.

Memorials are suggested to The Partnership for Educational Excellence for the Pete and Wanda Bernot Scholarship Fund.

Anyone wishing to order flowers or leave online condolences may do so at http://www.williamsonfh.com.