Anita Guest

Anita S. Guest, nee Rockwell, 93, of Belleville, Ill., born Dec. 30, 1918, in Belleville, Ill., died Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, at Swansea Rehab & Health Care Center, Swansea, Ill.

Mrs. Guest was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved being with her family and friends. She was the type of person who expressed her love through her actions. Whether it was baking cookies, jarring jelly, or making quilts there was nothing she wouldn't do for her children and grandchildren. As a grandchild on your wedding day, you couldn't wait to open up your gift from Grandma, knowing it would be a hand sewn quilt.

Anita was also very active in her community. She helped start Mother's Day out at Hope Church and volunteered whenever she was needed. She loved to play cards, bowl, and was an avid Cubs fan. Anita loved life and knew how to enjoy it.

Anita was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Ralph Guest, whom she married on May 4, 1943, and who died on Sept. 12, 2012; a son, Charles R. Guest; her parents, Charles and Kate, nee Senzel, Rockwell; four brothers, Ben, Lee, Lloyd and Charles Rockwell; and two sisters, Norma Pfingsten and Ruth Clasquin.

Surviving are a son, Michael J. (Mary) Guest of Belleville, Ill.; a daughter, Jane L. (Dellis) Germann of Millstadt, Ill.; eight grandchildren, Craig (Janet) Guest, Matt (Laura) Guest, Jeff (Erika) Guest, Chad (Carmen) Germann; Byron Germann; Kelli (Jeremy) Ervin and Emily (Joe) Speaks; 14 great-grandchildren, Curtis, Megan, and Austin, Ali, Victoria and Isabella, Ella and Luke, Emma and Jack, Wade, and Cody, Kaden, and Mikaela; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hope Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill., with the Rev. Jay Krumeich officiating. Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat on Oct. 31, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Anita Guest

7 Entries

Marcia Rockwell-Doherty

November 22, 2012

Jane, Dell, Mike and Mary, I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Sis and Uncle Ralph. My heart is with all of you. I wish I would have known so I could of paid my respects. I loved them so much. Marcia Rockwell-Doherty

Joy (Kamper) Cross

November 2, 2012

Jane and Mike, on reading of the death of your parents, I immediately began reminiscing about the early days at Hope Church during the '50s and 60s. I particularly remember your mom describing a Christmas tradition at your home....the unveiling of the elaborately decorated tree after weeks of secret preparation. I often wondered if you kids ever sneaked a peek at the tree before the grand unveiling! Please know that I have fond memories of your parents as do many others who knew them.

Ruth Steichen

October 31, 2012

Mike and Mary,

My sister sent me the links to the obituaries for your parents. Sorry I did not respond in September, but wanted to express my sympathy on both deaths. I remember spending time at your parents' house back in the days when I was dating a couple of Mike's friends. I remember that your mother and father were fun to be with and always made us feel welcome to hang out at their house. It is not easy to lose your parents, but hold onto your memories and keep their legacy alive.

Mary Ann Shadid Busse

October 31, 2012

Mike and Mary,
Thinking of you and keeping you both in my prayers as you deal with another loss.

October 31, 2012

Anita died just 6 weeks after Ralph-how strange!

Charlotte Peters-Belleville

Helen North

October 31, 2012

Dear Jane, Dell and Mike....Reading this I started to remember all the times Sis and I would giggle at Ralph and his gruffy "Take good care of her, she's my sweetheart," Well, now she has been given back to him so he can watch over her once again.
I must say your parents were two of my very favorite people, time spent with them watching a Cardinal Ballgame was a true adventure. This woman was a classic and she will be sorely missed. My prayers are with your entire family.

Jamie Dare

October 31, 2012

It was a joy taking care if Sis and Ralph during my first year as an in home Caregiver. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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