Berneitta Belle Kays, 99, of Bradenton Beach, Fla., died peacefully September 1, 2021, in Bradenton Beach. She was born May 26, 1922, in Spring Township, Boone County, daughter to Albert Blachford and Daisy Heywood. She married Hubert Kays, Sr. November 1, 1941, in Boone County. Berneitta worked as a floral designer at Sunny Side Green House and Lights Automatic Electric in Genoa. When her husband retired, they moved to Florida and she became Commissioner of Bradenton Beach at the age of 80. Berneitta loved going to church, riding her bike in Florida, fishing and camping. She was very creative and crafty, making baskets and designs using sea shells she collected combing the beach. She knitted and quilted, sewed and was into ceramics. Berneitta was very involved with her community and at one point in charge of the disaster committee for Florida hurricanes. She was the teacher in a 4-H Home Economics boys' club known as the Bachelor Buttons. She taught them how to cook! She also loved to feed birds, raised quails and enjoyed her beach home surroundings and nature. Berneitta was adventurous and spunky, just full of amazing energy. A one of a kind!

Berneitta is loved and will be truly missed by her son, Hubert (Alice) Kays; daughter, Donnita (Charlie) Faidley; sister, Margaret Karrienan; grandchildren, Dennis (Debbie) Kays, Jeffrey (Denise) Kays, Randal (special friend, Julie) Kays, Brooke (Dustin) Bettencourt, Eric Meinheit; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; daughter in-law, Sandra (special friend, Steve) Kays; and granddaughter in-law, Leah Kays.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hubert Sr.; son, Kenneth Kays; grandsons, Jason Kays and Richard Kays; and sisters, Jane Sullivan, Lorraine Blachford, Alberta Bowen, Theo Hildebrand; brothers, Frances (Bud) Blachford, Albert Blachford, Jr., William Blachford, Donald L. Blachford and Eli Blachford; and 2 infant brothers.

A visitation will be at 9 to 10:45 a.m., Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Rev. Jackie Wills will officiate. Burial at Highland Garden of Memories. Special acknowledgement for Donnita and Charlie for their loving care for Berneitta and a special thank you for the loving care from Rose Vincent, Teri Myers, Louise Capinelli, Diane Archanbault, Brooke and Eric. Memorial contributions in her honor will be decided at a later date. After the burial, a luncheon will be provided at the home of Dennis and Debbie Kays.

To light a candle or share a memory visit www.AndersonFCS.com.