Mary Vitt

Mary Vitt, age 80 of Carterville, formerly of Cobden, died at 11:36 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2018 at Parkway Manor in Marion. She was born March 29, 1937 in St. Louis, MO daughter of Stanley J. and Alice (Wilson) Stippey. She married Donald L. Harbert and later married John B. Vitt Sr. on January 9, 1981 in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden. John preceded her in death on June 26, 1990. Mary is survived by her children, Sara Stewart of Summerville. SC; Thomas W. (Lindsey A.) Harbert and Jenny (Thomas) Richards all of Carterville; step children, Nancy Macdonald of Bloomington, Karen Winzenburger and John B. Vitt Jr. all of Cobden; twelve grandchildren, Eric R. Stewart, Jason Harbert, Matthew Harbert, Leland Lyerla, Carrie Jo Walker, Lucas Lyerla, Kate Ripley, Stephanie Wilson, Devin Vitt, Mark Butler, Maxine Council and Brian Zimmerman; fourteen great grandchildren and one on the way; dear friend and pastor Verlinda Newton; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father; mother, Alice R. Prose and her husband, Wayne Prose; step daughter, Vicki Lyerla and infant sister, Thelma Stippy. Mary was a member of the Eagle's Nest Watch Church in Cobden. She served on the Cobden Plan Commission from 1981 to 1986 as well as the Cobden Civic Committee. She and her husband John owned and operated the Appleknocker Café in Cobden in the early 1980's until it closed. She later went to work for SIU School of Medicine, retiring after fifteen years in clerical. Mary's wishes were to be cremated. No local services will be held.