Bethel Kerkes

81 year old, Bethel M. Kerkes, of Wheatfield, passed away on July 1, 2026.

On April 5, 1945, Bethel was born to Roy and Eva (Gasper) Cotner, in Rensselaer, Indiana. She married the love of her life, Robert ‘Bob’ Kerkes Sr., on April 11, 1959, who precedes her. Bethel enjoyed square dancing and clogging with Bob, playing cards, gardening, and bird watching. She loved her family, and was always running after her children and grandchildren.

Bethel is survived by her children: Susan ‘Sue’ Besner, Robert ‘Buster’ Kerkes Jr., William ‘Bill’ Kerkes, Christopher ‘Chris’ (Rhoda) Kerkes, Sandra ‘Missie’ Shelton, 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Bethel was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Bob Kerkes Sr., son: Danny Kerkes, daughter: Debra Coley, grandsons: Timothy Besner, Thomas Besner, Robert Besner, Michael Besner, sisters: Beverly Selby, Betty Hensley, and son-in-law: Lyle Besner.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Boersma Funeral Home, 90 East Grove Street, Wheatfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church, 165 South Grace Street, Wheatfield, with Father Michael McKinney officiating. Interment will follow at the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sorrowful Mother Food Pantry.