Bertha Irene Hecox King, 90, of New London, formerly West Burlington, died Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at New London Specialty Care. She was born January 22, 1933 in Rockton, Illinois to Leon C. and Mary Seitz Hecox. She was a 1951 graduate of Burlington High School and was a member of New London United Methodist Church. In 1981 she married Bruce King at the “We’ve Only Just Begun Wedding Chapel” in Las Vegas, Nevada.
She was a secretary with the G2 Army at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; was employed at the United Mine Workers; secretary for International Resistance; and “Make Today Count” which was inspired by Wanda Kelley. She enjoyed fishing, bingo, Riverside Casino, playing cards, and especially gardening, as she once owned and operated a greenhouse in West Burlington.
She is survived by her husband, Bruce B. King of New London; stepson Dennis King of Houston, Texas; stepdaughter Mary Eddings of Dennison, Texas; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; sister Myrna (Dale) Speidel of Vinton; sisters-in-law Leola Hecox, Norma Hecox, Sharon Hecox, and Phyllis Bolander; and many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Debbie; sisters Mary (Ralph) Chaney and Nellie (Howard) Davis; and brothers Donald “Jake” (Gloria), Dale, Robert, Francis “Butch” and Lorin “Sam”.
According to her wishes, she has been cremated and graveside funeral services will be held at a later date at Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to “Make A Wish Foundation”. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Bertha’s family would like to thank the staff at both New London Specialty Care and EveryStep Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion shown to her over the past weeks and months. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten.