Sister Elizabeth Ann Bedinghaus, OP, died April 19 at age 103. The daughter of Clement and Elizabeth Stork Bedinghaus, she became a Dominican Sister of Springfield 75 years ago.

Sister Elizabeth Ann taught for 47 years in various parish schools, many in the Springfield diocese: Our Lady of Grace, Chicago; St. Paul, Odell; Sacred Heart, Pana; Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bethalto; St. Malachy, Rantoul; and Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur. She also taught in catechetical centers in Hillsboro and Carlinville.

After retiring from teaching, she quilted for community bazaars for 11 years. Since 1998, she had embraced a full-time ministry of prayer, even in the midst of cheering for her St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Sister Elizabeth Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bernard and Clement ("Bud"); and her sisters, Josephine Sale, Mary Elizabeth, Clara, Sister Ruth Marie Bedinghaus, OP, and Sister M. Sylvester Bedinghaus, OP.

She is survived by two nieces, a nephew, several cousins, her Dominican Sisters and many friends.

A funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Peter Witchousky, OP, on April 22 at Sacred Heart Convent. Final commendation was also at Sacred Heart Convent on April 23, with burial following at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.

The Dominican Sisters and the family of Sister Elizabeth Ann were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in Springfield.