Mary Vitt

Mary Vitt, 80, of Carterville, and formerly of Cobden, died at 11:36 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2018, at Parkway Manor in Marion.

She was born on March 29, 1937, in St. Louis, the daughter of Stanley J. and Alice Wilson Stippey.

She married Donald L. Harbert and later married John B. Vitt Sr. on Jan. 9, 1981, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden. John preceded her in death on June 26, 1990.

She is survived by her children, Sara Stewart of Summerville, S.C., Thomas W. (Lindsey A.) Harbert and Jenny (Thomas) Richards, all of Carterville; stepchildren Nancy McDonald of Bloomington, Karen Winzenburger and John B. Vitt Jr., all of Cobden; 12 grandchildren, Eric R. Stewart, Jason Harbert, Matthew Harbert, Leland Lyerla, Carrie Jo Walker, Lucas Lyerla, Kate Ripley, Stephanie Wilson, Devin Vitt, Mark Butler, Maxine Council and Brian Zimmerman; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way; dear friend and pastor Verlinda Newton; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father; her mother, Alice R. Prose and her husband, Wayne Prose; a stepdaughter, Vicki Lyerla; and an infant sister, Thelma Stippey.

She was a member of the Eagle’s Nest Watch Church in Cobden. She and her husband, John, owned and operated the Appleknocker Cafe in Cobden in the early 1980s until it closed. She later went to work for the SIU School of Medicine, retiring after 15 years in clerical service.

Her wishes were to be cremated. No local services will be held.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden was in charge of arrangements.