Mary Louise Von Zedtwitz

Mary Louise Pickett von Zedtwitz, 95 of Kerrville, Texas passed away on Thursday December 3, 2015. She was born January 7, 1920 in Anna, ILL to Mary Frances and Claude Pickett. She was the middle of 3 children having an older and younger brother both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Anna and when approximately 12 years old, moved with her family to Flint Michigan where her father worked in an auto factory to support the family. She workedduring heryearswhile in school as a cashier at the local movie house and theater graduating at 18 from Flint Centralhigh school. After high school she worked as an office receptionist andsecretary dreaming about flying as a stewardess and traveling the country. At that time to be a stewardess,the requirementwas firstto be 20 years of age and second a nurse as most people gotill in the turbulence of early aviation low level flying. Rules were subsequently changed dropping the nurse qualification and when Mary Louise turned 20 she applied and was hired to fly as a stewardess for Pennsylvania Central Airlines, a forerunner to United Airlines. Several years later she applied for and was hired by Chicago and Southern Airlines,which later merged withDelta Airlines. It was therethat she met and subsequently married in New Orleans 1945, toJohn von Zedtwitz a pilot for Chicago and Southern Airlines. She was blessed with 2 children and raised them there. In 2000 after 57 years in New Orleans and after her husband's deathshe relocated to Gainesville, Florida to the Village to enjoy a quiet peacefullife making new friends and acquaintances. After 11 years in Florida it was time to relocateand she moved to Kerrville, Texasto becloser toand receive care fromher daughter Roxanne. She lived at Harper House and then at the Villagio until herpassing. She was a lifelong member of the Gentilly Presbyterian Church in New Orleans and a respected member of the earlyDelta Airlines family. She was spirited as ever and never lost the opportunity to travel. Early on while working as a stewardess she met and had a chance to speak with top government officials, presidents, CEO's of large corporations, movie and film stars, and high ranking officers of the military. One that she remembers well was Eddie Rickenbacker the world famous aviation pioneer and another was Medal of Honor winner Sergeant Jake Lindsey and his wife Beverly during the war."I shall never forget my interesting life as a stewardess, meeting and greeting so many celebrities and prominent people during those years." Mary Louise loved tovisit family, friends and church members. She lovedto play cards, boardgames, orgo bowlingand dancing. Golf was a special event in her early married life. She traveled all over the world with her husband and enjoyed life immensely. The USA, Europe, Africa and Asia were places that she extensivelyvisited. Her favoritedestination though was Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Mary is survived by her daughter Roxanne von Zedtwitz Case(Darrel) of Kerrville, TX and her son Captain John von Zedtwitz (Peggy) of Las Vegas, NV; three grandchildren,Hans von Zedtwitz, Christina von Zedtwitz Leigh(Ryan) and Elizabeth von Zedtwitz Smith( Mathew); two great grandchildren Collin HansSmith and Logan PierceLeigh. She is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, John von Zedtwitz on October 13, 1996. Mary Louise was a unique individual, friend, sister, daughter, wife,mother, mother in law,grandmother and great grandmother. She will be truly missed by all and returns to Anna to be placed next to her mother, father, and husband in the Anna cemetery. Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Mary Louise von Zedtwitz will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2015 in the Anna City Cemetery with Rev. Jonathan Whitley officiating. Interment will be in the Anna City Cemetery. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Memorial/Funeral Service Wednesday, December 9, 2015,1:30PM Anna City Cemetery Davie Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Cemetery Service Wednesday, December 9, 2015,1:30PM Anna City Cemetery Davie Street Anna, Illinois 62906