Bernita Fern Ashwill

Bernita Fern Luth Ashwill, age 93, of Tuscola, Illinois, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois, on Sunday evening, August 9, 2026, at approximately 7:30 PM after a very brief illness.

In 1965, she married Lloyd Ashwill until his death in 1997. She is survived by her sons, Mark Ashwill and Steven (Cindy) Ashwill; her granddaughter, Sarah Ashwill; a few lifelong cousins; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; her parents, Edward Wilhelm and Johanna Christine Dorothea Luth; her sister, Edna; and her four brothers, Harold, Howard, Eugene, and Virgil.

Bernita was born at home on the family farm in Newman, Illinois, on July 26, 1933. Shortly after her birth, she was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, Illinois, where she was also later confirmed in the faith of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. During her high school years, she was a talented singer in a musical sextet, winning a first-place blue ribbon in competition with her group. She graduated as the Salutatorian of her high school class, and she was Homecoming Queen.

She then went to Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital school of nursing and graduated with her RN registered nurse degree in 1954.

In 1965, she married Lloyd Ashwill and embraced life as a farmer's wife. One of her hobbies she loved was gardening and her beautiful flowers, especially her beautiful roses. She was also an accomplished musician who always found great joy in playing the piano. Additionally, she was an excellent cook who made sure her family always ate well, prioritizing good, healthy food to care for those she loved.

In 1984, following Mark’s decision to open the businesses, Bernita and Lloyd joined him as co-owners of the Hobbit House Restaurant in Tuscola, Illinois, which they operated through 1986. At Christmas in 1986, they transitioned to open Rivendells Fine Food and Spirits in the historic old Senators Inn mansion building in Savoy, Illinois. Bernita helped Mark and worked side-by-side with him every day in the business.

Above all, Bernita was a faithful, confessional Lutheran who lived her life as a good Christian woman. She possessed a delightful sense of humor and a rare gift for speaking the truth with kindness. Her unwavering faith and devotion to her Lord guided her actions every single day.

A visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL. Traditional Lutheran funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, Illinois. Burial will follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Per Bernita's wishes, please wear appropriate attire to the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Tuscola or Broadlands.

Online condolences may shared via hilligossshraderfh.com