Esther Eileen (Wetterholm, Bertelsen) Prentice, 82, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 2012, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024 in Cape Coral, FL. She was born in Rockford, IL to Albert and Eila Wetterholm, now deceased.

She married David Bertelsen in 1960, they had 4 children together. He passed in 1973. She then met George Prentice in 1975, at Strike at Reitsch's Bowling Alley. He was dared to throw ice through her big hoop earrings and within a week he stated he knew he had met the love of his life. They were married in 1977 and she gained a bonus daughter and son. She was lovingly known as Mom, Momma, Memaw, Gramsicle, Grandma, Auntie Esther, and Big Gramma.

She loved being a Woman of the Moose and became a lifetime member. She was an avid Cubs Fan! She enjoyed bowling, gathering with friends and doing ceramics and was very artistic. She and George started camping with the kids at Blackhawk Campground in Milton WI. There she met her best friends. She was always ready for a great time, including but not limited to Winning the Minnow Beer Competition at a Whitewater WI, college bar. She loved sneaking out and with her Best Friend, Sherry Jack, doing things teenagers would do.

Later in life she became the administrative assistant at Ricotta's Automotive. She loved dealing with the clients and the Ricotta staff and customers became family. She loved getting her hair done weekly and also being mad at George's money...one of her favorite sayings was "Sit on it Prentice"!!! If you have heard the phrase, "she never met a stranger", that was truly her!!!! She was the most giving person, and anyone that knew her knew that.

She is survived by her loving husband, George Prentice; children, Tracy Bertelsen (Dawn) of Rockford, IL, Tari Taylor (Kurt) of Loves Park, IL, Todd Bertelsen of Rock City, IL, Tannette Gauvreau (George) of Rockford, IL, Laura Grass (Oliver) of Norco, CA, and Geoffrey Prentice of IL; sister, Carol Fagan of Loves Park, IL. Her sisters in law Joyce (Bill) Brown and Peggy (Jerry) Gavin, and Brother-in-Law Mike Prentice.

Her grandchildren - Melissa Hendren (Henry Goldsmith), Taylor Bertelsen (Jason Waldo), Amanda (Josh) Hathaway, David Bertelsen, Olivia Bertelsen, Phil Reynolds (Kimberly Garman), Breanna (Cory) Webb, Anthony Wood, Daniel Wood (Morgan Napier), Brian (Turkan) Wood and Brandon Gauvreau. Her great-grandchildren Devon (Jessikah) Reynolds, Riley Reynolds, Aubree Booker, Raina Hathaway, Eila Hathaway, Tinley Hendren, and Camden Wood. As well as numerous Nieces and Nephews. There are so many friends that are family, we are unable to list them all. Please know she loved you dearly.

Preceded in death by Beloved Granddaughter Amber Reynolds, sister in law Linda Prentice, Brothers in Law Gordy Prentice, Mark Prentice and Pat Prentice.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Gulf Coast Health and especially the loving tender care given by the staff at Hope House Hospice of Cape Coral, especially Susan and Jennifer.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Esther Eileen Prentice are suggested to https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html

Memorial Visitation on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 1 pm to 2 pm at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services; 4301 N. Main St. Rockford, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 pm. Pastor Bob Mellon will officiate. Share a memory or condolence at www.GraceFH.com .