HERRIN – LaDonna Wertz Bryce, 86, of Herrin, passed away at 11:39 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at her home in Herrin, IL, surrounded by her family.
She was born on September 19, 1938, to Sterling and Eva (Arnold) Poole in West Frankfort, IL. LaDonna worked as a Franklin Williamson Human Services for the State of Illinois. She married her first husband, James R. Wertz, and he preceded her in death, then she married Raymond Bryce, and he proceeded her in death.
She was a member of Heartland Christian Church in Marion, IL, and she was also a member of the Marion VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
LaDonna was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her family. In her spare time she loved sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, being a Hospice volunteer and reading.
LaDonna is survived by her loving children: James B. (Jill) Wertz of Orient, IL, Larrie (Sherry) Wertz of Du Quoin, IL, and Billie (Elva) Arview of Herrin, IL; eight grandchildren: Brittani (Matt) Warner, Jennifer (Tim) Mateycak, Tiffani (Josh Boswell) Ihrig, Matthew (Kenzie) Pflug, Madison (Austin) Schafer, Evan (Hannah) Arview, Emery Arview, Cori Arview; 12 great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Renny, Drasyn, Dexter, River, Freya, Remington, Lincoln, Winona, Gunner, Emilia and Elliston.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sterling and Eva Poole; her husbands, James R. Wertz and Raymond Bryce; her brothers: Richard Poole, Robert Poole, Sterling Poole, Ronnie Poole and James Poole; her sisters: Faye Buiten Haus, Janet Hubbard and Sharon Williams; and her grandson, Jeffery Conner.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Greg Gibbs, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL, with Brother Glen Sanders, officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Marion VFW Post 1301 or Heartland Christian Church in Marion, IL, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
