Lotus "Babe" Marie Buhs, 91, of Gillespie, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
She was born on November 5, 1932, in Alton, IL, the daughter of Clarence J. and Emily L. (Wilkening) Bertels. She married Donald E. Buhs on December 13, 1952, in Dorsey, IL. He preceded her in death on November 27, 2011.
Lotus was a supervisor at Miller Mutual Insurance Company before her retirement. She was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey, where she also played the organ for over 50 years, after teaching herself how to play. Lotus enjoyed working in her flower garden and was an avid golfer. She also enjoyed spending time at her lake house in the Ozarks.
Survivors include her maternal nieces and nephews, Rodney (Lori) Cook, Robert (Heather) Cook, and Rhonda (David) Leach; maternal great-nieces and nephews, Misty, Michele, Victoria, Grace, Jack, Craig, Sarah, and Aaron; paternal brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry (Sue) Buhs, Maxine Saurwein, and Bob (Carol) Buhs; paternal nieces and nephews, Pam (Tony) DeAngelo, Stephanie (Joe) Monroe, Cindy St. Peters, Becky (Wayne) Robeen, Wayne (Leigh) Sauerwein, Karen Street, Terry (Kristi Dyer) Buhs, Amy Miller, Sara (Ted) McDermott, Joan (Gary) Brown, Richard (Diana) Bertels, and Donna Oehler; and many other great-nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, Donald, she was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy J. (Robert) Cook; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jean (Eldor) Buhs, and Paul Saurwein; a nephew, Randy I. Cook; and a niece, Rhonda Saurwein.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m., at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey. Pastor Jonathan Winterfeldt will be officiating.
Burial will follow at Emmaus Lutheran Cemetery.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is assisting the family with final arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to Emmaus Lutheran Church.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.