Livingston, WI – Bernice M. Orton, age 102 of Livingston, died on Saturday evening May 2, 2015 at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehab Center in Dodgeville. Bernice was born on Sept. 5, 1912 in Beetown, WI the daughter of Bernard and Bessie (Franklin) Taylor. She married Clifford Orton on June 14, 1939.
Following graduation from high school, Bernice taught at several Potosi area rural schools. She later received her teaching degree from Platteville Teachers College in 1932. Upon getting married in 1939, Bernice stayed home to raise her family until returning to teach at the Hopewell School 1958. Bernice finished her teaching career as a third grade teacher at Livingston Elementary School, retiring in the late 1970’s. Bernice was an excellent cook and baker. She enjoyed spending time in her garden and tending to her cherished African Violets. She also enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Wisconsin Badgers.
Bernice is survived by her two children; Gary (Linda) Orton of Belvidere, IL and Sharon Liittschwager of Haines City, FL, eight grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; Todd Orton of Livingston, Craig Orton of Fennimore, Bryan Mark Orton of Milton, Bryan Lee (Jenni) Orton of Lake Zurich, IL with children Tyler and Brady, Paula (Heather Abney) Orton of Madison with children Elliot and Charlotte, Mark Liittschwager of Lakeland, FL with son Christopher, Michael Liittschwager of Iowa Falls, IA with children Sadie, Weston and Kylie, and Marci (Duane) Harris of Haines City, FL with son Wyatt, one great-great granddaughter, and sister-in-laws; Palma Taylor of Vista, CA, and Norma Orton of Platteville.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clifford in 1958, brothers and sister-in-law Walter (Mazie) Taylor, and Franklin Taylor, son-in-law Everett Liittschwager, and brother-in-law Clinton Orton.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday May 6, 2015 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort with burial to follow in the Rock Church Cemetery in rural Livingston. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday evening May 5, 2015 at the funeral home in Montfort and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Wednesday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Bernice M. Orton. Online condolences may be made at larsonfuneralhomes.com