Alberta Mae "Bert" McConnell

Alberta Mae McConnell, “Bert”, of Bloomington, IN passed away July 11, 2025. On April 7th, 1947, in Elkinsville, IN, Alberta was born to parents Albert and Katherine Cross. She married Larry McConnell on June 2nd, 1978, and they began a life together along with her three girls. She retired from the Social Security Administration after 30 years of service. She and Larry farmed and raised cattle for 40 years in southwest Monroe County. They worked hard at farming and at one time they had over 100 cows they managed. They were instrumental in the forming of, and she served as secretary for the Indiana Beef Alliance, LLC, which brought farmers together to learn more about stewardship and caring for cattle. In 2005, they were honored to be named both Monroe County Farm Family of the year and Indiana River Friendly Farmer. This award was presented by Becky Skillman, the Lt. Governor at the time. In addition to farming, they also loved to raise Iris, Hosta, Day Lilies, and many other beautiful flowers. They surrounded their home with these beautiful flowers and a big garden every year. She and Larry are members of the Southern Indiana Daylily, Hosta, Daffodil & Iris Society. Together, they also loved woodworking and making beautiful pieces of art. In the last 6-8 years they could be found at many of the craft or quilt shows around the area. Their beautiful cutting boards, benches, quilt racks, and charcuterie boards were always a favorite at the shows. Bert was a quilter and belonged to the Bedford based Quarry Quilters Quilt Guild. This love of quilting was passed from her mom, Katie Cross, and through the years, she honed her love of quilting so much that she was recognized in many quilting competitions. She was most proud that she had made each of her girls a Christmas Quilt. As she finished each of quilts, being a member of the Walk A Lot Home Demonstration Club, she entered each one in the Open Class at the Monroe County Fair. When entered, each one of the quilts earned a Grand Champion ribbon. Even though they worked hard, Bert and Larry also loved to travel in their retirement years. There were many good memories made by her and Larry, or her and one of the girls taking an adventure. Bert was always up for having fun and seeing new things. She was a wonderful wife, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Bert will be greatly missed by her husband, Larry, and her children: Stephanie Whitaker (Bob), Christina Richardson (Jay), and Cathy Halter (Shawn). Her cherished grandchildren: Jonathon Whitaker (Abby), Zach Burton (Savanah Craig), Alex Halter (Alivia Smith), and her great-grandchildren: Merida Whitaker and Lee Whitaker, as well as the many wonderful friends she has made along her life’s journey. She was the eighth of ten children born to Albert and Katherine Cross. She leaves behind her sisters: Dorothy Lutes (Bill), Rose Hatton, Linda Lane and Sister-in-Law Janet Cross. Sister/brother in-laws: Jerry McConnell (Roz), Orland McConnell (Andrea), Keith McConnell (Trudy), Judy Childers (Mike), Patty Perney and Jonetta Tesh. She was also “Aunt Bert” to many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Albert Cross (Thelma), Fred Cross (Ginger), Rodney Cross, brother-in-law Don Hatton, Bob Cross (Carol), Beverly Blankenfield (Richard), brother-in-law Jerry Sample, infant baby brother Gary Dean Cross, adopted brother James Frailey, nephew Gregory Hatton, and nieces Valerie Edmonds and Mary Katherine Nazzari, her in-laws, Wayne and Ellen McConnell and brother-in-law Paul McConnell. Heartfelt gratitude from Bert’s family go out to the many wonderful doctors and nurses that cared for her at IU Health Hospitals, Simon Cancer Center, Bloomington Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, and Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Indiana University Health Hospice House. Funeral services for Bert will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 at 11 AM in the morning at the Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Rd. 37. Burial will follow the Carmichael Cemetery. Visitation will be held also at Allen Funeral Home on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 4 PM in the afternoon until 8 PM in the evening. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with friends and family at www.allencares.com

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Alberta Mae "Bert" McConnell

April 7, 1947 - July 11, 2025