Roneith Lorenz Anderson

Roneith Lois Lorenz Anderson, 100, of Mt. Olive died Friday, August 16, 2024, at Alhambra Rehab and Healthcare Center. Graveside services for Roneith Lois Lorenz Anderson were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday August 20, 2024, at Chapman’s Cemetery by Pastor Nancy Hubert.

Roneith was born April 7, 1924 in Mt. Olive at the home of her parents, John C. and Florence Schwing Lorenz, the youngest of three children. Roneith was the great-granddaughter of early settlers of Mt. Olive Township, Conrad and Elenore Funke Schwertfeger and H. Johannes and Christiana Schmidt Schwing. Johannes was a member of the first board of trustees when Mt. Olive incorporated in 1874. Roneith was the granddaughter of Ferdinand and Louisa Schwertfeger Schwing and Bernhardt and Blanche Meyer Lorenz. Roneith spent the majority of her life on the family homestead. She graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1942, then from Illinois State University in 1945 with a degree in education.

She met a Navy man, Clarance G. “Andy” Anderson in Normal and married him October 5, 1945 when he received a special leave to get married. After World War II, she commuted from Bloomington to Green Cove Springs, Florida, where her husband was mothballing the fleet. When he was discharged, they returned to Bloomington, where she taught third grade at Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Home. After Andy received his teaching degree, they moved to Mt. Olive in 1954 where he began his teaching career, and she settled in as a homemaker. In 1964, she took a teaching assignment with the Gillespie school system as a kindergarten teacher at both Maple Street School and the Benld Attendance Center, where she taught for the next 28 years.

In her extended retirement, Roneith enjoyed reading, bird and wildlife watching, playing cards, and working outside. She spent many years associated with Home Extension. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, where she was a 50-year Golden Sister. Roneith also belonged to both the Illinois and Gillespie Retired Teachers organizations. Over the years, she supported the Mt. Olive Wildcats and was an avid St. Louis Rams and Cardinals fan.

Roneith was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, both in 1983; a brother Carl Lorenz and a sister Florence McCuistion. She is survived by two daughters, Carol Anderson and Joanne Anderson, both of Mt. Olive; a nephew, Forrest (Judy) Lorenz of Litchfield; and a niece Janice Lorenz of Bunker Hill.

Memorials may be made to the Gillespie Partnership for Educational Excellence, Mt. Olive Academic Foundation, Mt. Olive Care Center, or the donor’s choice.

Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive, IL is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at beckerandson.com.