SPRINGFIELD – Alma Gearldine “Gerry” Bridewell, 85, of Springfield, IL, formerly of Thompsonville, IL, passed away peacefully Friday, June 20, 2025, with her loving family by her side at The Villas Senior Living in Sherman, IL.
Funeral services will be held at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main St., Benton, Illinois, on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Brother Larry Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.
Gerry was born on January 28, 1940, in Thompsonville, IL, daughter of Ruth (Sweet) and Deck Eubanks. She was united in marriage to Bob Bridewell on May 3, 1957. He preceded her in death on October 18, 2022.
Gerry attended Thompsonville High School. She then worked at the Joan Clair factory as a seamstress. This began a lifelong talent for sewing not only clothes for herself and family, but beautiful, original quilts that she designed and gave away as gifts.
Working together, Gerry and her husband, Bob, operated Bridewell’s Body Shop and Auto Sales. She kept the books and did clerical duties but also jumped in and worked side by side in the shop. She taped off cars to be painted, mixed car paint and washed and detailed cars when they were ready. She was equally adept at cooking and provided delicious meals to all working in the garage. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings, ham, and beans, served with all the fixings.
Gerry enjoyed being outdoors, she preferred being outside to in, whether riding motorcycles – at one point owning one – or just being outdoors, enjoying nature and caring for her animals. She had many cats, dogs, cows, and sheep, and loved her treasured horse, Fancy, and beloved dog Gracie. Her biggest joy was becoming a “granny,” she loved spending time and spoiling her only granddaughter. Which later blessed her with three great grandchildren who called her “Gan Gan.”
Before moving to Springfield to live near family, Gerry worked at Dyel’s grocery store in Benton. She worked in the deli and as a checker. She liked visiting with her customers and really enjoyed her work. She was a member of the UFCW union. In earlier years, Gerry was a member of Carter’s Temple Congregational Christian Church in Thompsonville, IL.
In addition to her dear husband, Bob, of 65 years, she was preceded in death by her parents, Deck and Ruth Eubanks; siblings, Phyllis Canada, Billy Don Eubanks, Claudia Wilson, and Charles Eubanks.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She freely shared her love and beautiful spirit with all she knew.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Jaye Bridewell Miller; a granddaughter, Shannon (Nick) Bellini; and three great-grandchildren, Pvt. Seiger Dunston, Gianna Jaye and Bianca Rose Bellini; and nephews, a niece, and cousins. A special friend, Janet Higginson of Benton; and her friend and roommate at the Villas, Joan Huntley.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Villas Senior Care Community and Gentiva Hospice Care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Gerry, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
She beautifully reflects God’s creativity, she nurtures those around her, to reason and reflect, to confidently declare the goodness of God and the wonders of his word (from Genesis 1)
