Arlene Mathews

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Arlene J. Mathews, nee Engelman, 59, of Belleville, IL, born July 27, 1960, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, November 15, 2019, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.

Ms. Mathews worked as a restaurant manager for more than 35 years, both at Steak ‘N Shake and Bob Evans. She enjoyed baking and crafting. Arlene was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved her favorite feline, Evie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Fern, nee Sauer, Engelman; and two nieces, Erin Reilly and Sarah Engelman.

Surviving are two brothers, Art Engelman and Emil Jr. (Paulette) Engelman;
a sister, Sandra Engelman;
two nieces, Emily (Shane) Anderson,
and Dana (Jim) Fulton;
a nephew, John Engelman;
great-nieces;
great-nephews;
a great-great-niece;
and dear friends, Debbie, Barb, Cindy,
Shirley, Michelle, and many more.

In one final act of kindness, Arlene was able to be an organ and tissue donor.

Memorials may be made to Randy’s Rescue, O’Fallon, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Hal Santos officiating.

Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL, at a later date.

 

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7 Comments on Arlene Mathews

Felicia Alvarez said : Guest Report Nov 22, 2019 at 3:26 PM

Arlene, I am so sad that you left us the way you did. I did not know you very long but in the time I did I knew a kind, funny, and sincere woman. I know your spirit is happy and at peace. My heart and condolences go out to all your loved ones. And hoping they can feel your peace and happiness too.

  • Granite City
  • IL
Stephanie Faith said : Guest Report Nov 21, 2019 at 5:58 PM

I just can't believe that you're gone I've known you since I was a little girl I remember all the funny times a lot of 1st time things meeting you and jim and having all the laughs and fun and the parties that mom would have at the house on West Main Street back when I was a little girl watching pretty in pink with you and I was staying the night at your house all the time I think we watched it a 100 × 2 together you were definitely a great woman and I will always remember you and I will see you again I hope that you are watching over all of us including your closest loved ones as an angel in heaven you will always stay in my heart and my prayers I just can't believe that this happened it doesn't even feel real however you are a very real person and witty smart sweet and just too young too young to die But only God knows when it's our time to go and I guess it was your time however we will meet again like I said I am so sorry to all of the family and friends of your early passing I wish I could be there for the wake and the funeral but I will have to be there in spirit I want you to know Arlene that my mom always loved you and that you were always one of the best people that our family ever had in our lives you were like a real aunt to me and my siblings so gracious and you will be missed so dearly I'm still in shock but it is what it is I guess I wish I would have got to know you more as an adult unfortunately that didn't happen however as a child you are a huge part of my memories and I will always be thinking of you and remembering how you were there for my mom who truly trusted and always called you her bff. Emily I'm so glad I met you through your aunt and I'm so sorry to you and your family for your loss I'm always here find me on messager so we can talk about the good times cause there was always more good than bad when it came to your aunt Arlene hope your dancing to salt n peppa push it good push it real good lol driving around blasting it with mom when we were kids singing laughing dancing and having a ball xoxo love you always ???⚘????????❄????????

  • Davenport
  • Florida
Barb Syzdek said : Guest Report Nov 20, 2019 at 12:54 AM

I will miss you more than anyone will know. All our trips and laughs and memories will stay with me forever. I will see you again. It’s hard to believe you are gone but I know you are fine with God.

  • Belleville
  • Il
Jasmine Page said : Guest Report Nov 19, 2019 at 2:04 PM

Arlene We didn’t always see eye to eye but when we did we were good friends I hate to see u go just know you were the best Person I could get to know. I’m gonna miss you and I send my prayers and sympathy’s out to her family and friends

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Holly Wood said : Guest Report Nov 19, 2019 at 3:28 AM

Arlene, you were an amazing person, always greeting everyone with a smile. I'm so sorry to hear of your passing. Thank you for the happy moments you brought to my world when it wasn't happy.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Derek McIntyre said : Guest Report Nov 18, 2019 at 8:42 PM

I have known Arlene for 9 years. From Steak N Shake and Bob Evans. I was a customer at Steak N Shake for a long time. Bob Evans just recently and she would of been my Manager at Bob Evans because I just got a job there. My prayers and Sympathy to her Family and friends. Also, to her Steak N Shake and Bob Evans Family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Lorinda Macon said : Guest Report Nov 18, 2019 at 3:11 PM

Arlene I am going to truly miss you. You were truly an inspiration to me. Helped me to understand how to become a hard worker! Gave me my first job at 16 and I still work that job today. I called you my Steak n Shake mama. Rest in heaven! Much love♥️... God I ask you to strengthen her family and be with her family!

  • Swansea
  • IL

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