Mary Elizabeth Mason, nee DeLude, age 69, of O'Fallon, born October 11, 1941 in Michigan, passed away December 7, 2010.

Mary was the fourth of five children born to David and Helen, nee Burns, DeLude. She enlisted in the Air Force at a young age and worked as a telecommunications operator until she met and married Thomas Mason and they began their family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved her family dearly and treasured family times together. She was an active member of Faith Family Church where she shared a strong faith in God. She and her husband volunteered many hours at Belleville Christian Center, where they fed the hungry and prayed and ministered to the guests. Mary loved shopping and traveling, was considered a chocoholic and loved Eckert's custard. Her 49-year marriage to Tom was recently celebrated at a family ceremony renewing their vows together.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Jennifer Stergulz and her parents.

Surviving are her husband CMSgt. Thomas Mason, USAF (ret.), of O'Fallon, whom she married July 29, 1961;
daughter Deborah (Joseph) Dructor of Smithton,
daughter Kristie Howard of Gainesville, Fla.,
son Bryan (Karen) Mason of O'Fallon,
daughter Jill (Brandon) Lott of Mascoutah;
grandchildren Nick Stergulz, Whitney Nelson, Riley Mason, Sarah Mason, Adam Mason, Peyton Lott, and one on the way. Also surviving are her siblings Tom and Bill DeLude, Donna Vickers, and Dave DeLude; step-grandchildren Erin Dructor, Rae Dructor, and Meagan Odum, and a large loving extended family.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Mrs. Mason be made to Belleville Christian Center, 104 S. 17th St., Belleville, IL 62226.

All services are Sunday, December 12, 2010 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home:

Visitation 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Memorial Service 2:00 p.m.