Roberta Mae (nee McCrary) Schneider Hutchings, 87, passed away peacefully March 20th at St Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, IL surrounded by her loving family.
Roberta was born May 8, 1928 in Pinckneyville, Illinois to Alex & Edith (Preston) McCrary. Surviving are two brothers; William (Dana) McCrary of Belleville, IL and David (Mary) McCrary of Marissa, IL and five nephews.
Roberta was lucky in love not just once, but twice. She married Donald M. Schneider in 1946 after writing a “Dear John” letter to Max Hutchings, her first boyfriend, now off in the military. To this union, three children were born and survive them; Michael (Norma) Schneider of Pinckneyville, Mark (Michelle) Schneider of Pinckneyville, and Stephanie (the late Bernell) Voytas of Marissa . Roberta was an amazing Grandmother. She is survived by five lovely granddaughters; Jennifer Ferguson of Lenzburg, Tracy (Jeff) Loos of Pinckneyville, Jayci (Mark) Papenberg of Columbia, Kristy (Nathan) Meagher of Pinckneyville, Lacey (Jeremy) Schmersahl of Coulterville; 3 great granddaughters; Jalene Ferguson, Josephine Schmersahl, Quinnley Schmersahl; 6 great grandsons; Colten Loos, Chase Schneider, Landen Schmersahl, Logan Loos, Carson Meagher, Jax Papenberg and a Baby Papenberg on the way. Donald preceeded her in death in 1996 after 50 years of marriage. In a twist of fate, over 50 years after he receieved the “Dear John” letter, Max Hutchings and Roberta reunited and were married in 1997. Roberta gained two step brothers; Jack (Carolyn) Hutchings and Randy Hutchings; and a step sister-in-law Mary Nehring. Max passed away in 2004 after seven years of blissful marriage. Family preceeding her in death were her parents, nephew-John McCrary, special great nephew Zachary McCrary and son-in-law Bernell Voytas.
Accepting her Lord and Savior at the age of 12, Roberta was active in the church throughout her entire life. She was proud to be a member of the First Baptist Church of Pinckneyville and grateful for her church family. After retiring from Turco Manufacturing in 1989, Roberta volunteered in her church and community as often as possible. Her and her husband Donald loved to travel and always had a grandchild on vacation with them. She belonged to the Geidon Aux, VFW Aux and the Red Hat Society. Bert was an avid card player and bowler most of her life. She enjoyed gambling, golf, and gardening. She was honored to serve as a Girl Scout leader for many years. She delivered meals on wheels and was a election judge. Roberta was a devoute Republican and loved to debate the elections with friends and family.
Graveside services will be held Saturday March 26, 2016 at 10:30am in Mueller Hill Cemetery. Roberta’s dear friend Tim Bauersachs will be officiating. In leiu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to her First Baptist Church Sunday School Class, Care of Mary & Martha 104 South Mill Street, Pinckneyville.