Ermel Elizabeth Hale, 86, of Wood River, IL, formerly of Granite City, IL, died at 12:01 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 10, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born Aug. 19, 1939 in Hardin, IL to the late Orville and Opel (Dennis) Bettorf.

On Aug. 17, 1957, she and Pastor Ernest Lee Hale were married in Maryville, IL.  He preceded her in death May 29, 2009.

Mrs. Hale loved her family, serving the Lord, and helping in her role as a pastor's wife at Anchor Bay Lighthouse.  She played the piano and guitar at Anchor Bay as well as other churches, helped as church secretary and with "Kid's" church.

Survivors include a daughter, Rebecca (Michael) Shahan of Granite City, 3 sons: David (Carrie) Hale of Wood River, Kevin (Billy Lynn) Hale of Granite City, and Billy Joe Hale of Wood River, 5 grandchildren: Crystal Jordan, Cathrin Madison, Michael Hale, Cody Hale, and Gabrielle Dever, and 7 great-grandchildren: Danial Hale, Bosco Jordan, Lee Madison, Frank Madison, Connor Dever, Miles Dever, and Odin Hale.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Faye Bettorf, and 3 brothers: Bill, Robert "Speed" and Glen Bettorf.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sun. Oct. 19, 2025 at Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory where services will be at Noon Mon. Oct. 20, 2025 with Pastor Larry Hale officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery on Maryville Road.

Memorials may be made to Celebration Community Church.

Online information and guestbook through Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory may be found at www.wojstrom.com.