Mary Beth was born February 8, 1929, to Bernice A. (Begemann) and John Henry Schrand. She graduated from Belleville Township High School (West) in 1946. She married Cletus Rompel on April 30, 1949, at St. Mary’s Church in Belleville. Together they had four children. Of all her accomplishments, she considered her family the most important.
Mary Beth had a strong faith in God which was evident in the way she lived her life. She was active in the Catholic church as a Eucharistic minister, PSR teacher, and completed a two-year discipleship of the Catholic church in 2019.
She was classy, graceful, creative, artistic, and loved a good party. Her smile was beautiful and infectious. She was an accomplished painter and completed watercolor studies at SWIC, Lake of the Ozarks, SIUE, and many other places. Over the years, she cultivated a love of plants and became a Master Gardener.
To know Mary Beth was to love her! She will be remembered for her kind, compassionate heart and all the wonderful stories she told. She was a beloved and inspirational person and an invaluable member of the community. She treasured her family and left them a legacy to “Love One Another.” Her presence will be missed by many clubs and organizations including Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Thursday Literary Club (president), Bridge Club, Talking Club, PEO-EY, Belleville Cursillo #40, St. Clair County Women’s Club, Ladies Sodality (prefect & past president), Pregnancy Care Center (volunteer), and Daughters of the American Revolution.
She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Clete Rompel; second husband, James P. Schaltenbrand; two sons, David J. Rompel and Paul J. (Barb) Rompel; a sister, Virginia (Pat) Griffin; and a brother, Jack (Paula) Schrand.
Surviving are her children, James A. Rompel and Linda S. (Tony) Heap; 12 grandchildren, Jami (Bryan) White, Andrew (JoAnn) Heap, Travis (Lauren) Rompel, Luke (Kelly) Rompel, Nicole Rompel Marshall, Bridget (Clay Mitchell) Rompel, Amber (Brad) Kibler, Chelsea (Mike) Renner, Gabriel Rompel, Greta Rompel, and Tobias Rompel; as well as four step-children, Ellen Warner, Richard (Kim), Jeffery (Jennifer), and Tony (Lisa) Schaltenbrand; in addition to 13 step-grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and countless other nieces, nephews, friends, and family members whom she loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Belleville, or Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Belleville. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Private burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.