Betty Schwartz

Betty Schwartz

Betty Jane Schwartz, nee Brooks, 85, of Smithton, Ill., born June 27, 1930, in Carbondale, Ill., died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, at Cambridge House, Swansea, Ill.

Mrs. Schwartz was an elementary school teacher retired from Harmony Emge District 175. She attended St. Augustine Catholic Church, Hecker, Ill., had been a member of Belleville Elks Lodge BPOE 481, and was a member of the Red Hat Society. Betty loved the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 59 years, August L. Schwartz Jr., whom she married on Dec. 23, 1951, in Carbondale, Ill., and who died on Dec. 12, 2010; her parents, Clyde M. and Faye, nee Chambers, Brooks; and her twin brother, Robert J. Brooks.

Surviving are two sons, Bruce L. Schwartz of Belleville, Ill., and Craig M. (Janice) Schwartz of O'Fallon, Ill.; and eight grandchildren, Ryan A. Schwartz, Rachael E. Schwartz, Christopher L. Schwartz, Taylor S. Schwartz, Jordan R. Schwartz, Allison (Chad) Caricco, Laura Taake (fiance, Brad Davis), and Bradley Taake (fiancee, Katie Morris).

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Smithton, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at the funeral home, with Rev. Cari Frus officiating. Burial will follow at Smithton City Cemetery, Smithton, Ill.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Smithton, Ill.