Arline L. (Harshbarger) Berntson Elliott, 88, of Galesburg, died at 8:58 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Seminary Manor.
She was born October 1, 1932, in Galesburg, the daughter of Frank and Irma (Manley) Harshbarger. She married Carl Berntson on January 1, 1955 at First Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on August 3, 1975. She later married Joseph Elliott on August 15, 1982 in Overland Park, Kansas. He preceded her in death on July 19, 1992.
She is survived by three children, David (Liz) Berntson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Laura (Eric) Pederson of Galesburg, and Matthew (Karen) Berntson of Galesburg; two step-daughters, Betty Jo (Roger) Resley and Tyra (John) Burdett, both of Olathe, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Carol Harshbarger of Galesburg; and nieces and nephews, Rebecca (Mike Mauzy) Bliss, Barbara (Doug) Lofton, Michael (Todd) Harshbarger, and Meg (Rich) Mcghghy. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mark Berntson on August 13, 1986; her twin brother, Allan Harshbarger; and a nephew, Bob Harshbarger.
After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1951, Arline went on to Methodist School of Nursing, graduating in 1954. She worked as a registered nurse for 20 years before retiring. She had also served as camp nurse and director at Camp Archie Allen and Camp Shaubena, where she was known as “Rusty” because of her beautiful red hair. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church. Her love of music was woven throughout her life and in her family. Arline enjoyed barbershop music, singing with the Sweet Adelines, Otter Belles, and other choral groups. She was an avid fisherman, having lived on a lake for many years and taking many fishing adventures to Canada. She had a great love of trains, having come from a family of railroaders. Arline had lived in Galesburg, Ottertail Lake, Minnesota, Overland Park, Kansas, and Keokuk, Iowa.
A private family service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Her nephew, Rev. Douglas Lofton will officiate. Those wishing to attend the service “virtually” may watch the live broadcast at 1 p.m. on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-160333664037824. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Galesburg Railroad Museum or Pinetop Perkins Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
