Elizabeth L. Serne "Bette" (nee Scharlau), age 86, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022, with loving family at her side. She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne (Robert) Klein, Amy (Edward) Nudi, and Eileen Hansen, grandchildren, Christopher (Katherine), Nicholas, Jonathan, Kyle (Priscilla), Justin, Michael, James, Scott, Sydney, Taylor and Samantha, 10 great-grandchildren, and sister, Naomi Fell. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, William J. Serne, parents, Wilbert and Irene Scharlau, sister, Margaret Ott and brother, Norman Scharlau. Bette grew up in Midlothian, IL and attended Thornton Township High School. After graduation, she began working as a flight attendant in California until returning home to help her mother. Bette found work in Chicago as a secretary for Great Lakes Screw Company before working for Davis Temporaries and Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District in Chicago Heights. Bette loved to travel with her family and would go hiking at Turkey Run State Park and Starved Rock. Their trips would also include visits to many historical sites including Abraham Lincoln's home and New Salem. They would also visit the cabin in Wisconsin and California from time to time. Bette was an avid crafter and sewer. She often volunteered her time at the Children's Garden in Elwood. Visitation for Elizabeth will take place on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home in Manhattan. Private committal services will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth's name to the Children's Garden in Elwood would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.