Vera L. McGuire

Vera Lillian McGuire, nee Schroeder, age 100, lifelong resident of O'Fallon, born August 27, 1907 in O'Fallon, passed away Wednesday evening, January 30, 2008 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Belleville, following a brief illness. Vera was a graduate of O'Fallon Township High School and earned her teaching certificate from Illinois State University (Normal). She was a former business teacher at Rosiclare High School, Rosiclare, Ill., in the late 1920's. Mrs. McGuire was a lifelong member of O'Fallon United Church of Christ, where she was past president of the Women's Guild, member of the Quilters' Club and 50+ Club. She was a 50+-year member and past Worthy Matron of Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 487, O'Fallon. She was past president and member of O'Fallon Woman's Club, Inc., since 1952. Vera was also a past honorary member of the Senior Citizens' Club of O'Fallon. She enjoyed quilting, working in her flower garden, and keeping the birds fed at her nearby window. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her kindness.

Mrs. McGuire was preceded in death by her husband, Allison "Al" McGuire, whom she married May 17, 1930 in Harrisburg, Illinois; and who passed away March 26, 1982; her parents George and Louisa (nee Gross) Schroeder; and her brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Lucille (nee Funk) Schroeder.

She is survived by her goddaughters, Cynthia Jensen and Elizabeth Ross, both of Scottsdale, Ariz; Alissa Sporer of Wheaton, Ill.; and dear close friends Rev. Walter Gerth & his wife, Betty, of O'Fallon and their children, David, Mark, and Mary Kay; Jackie Canterbury of Scottsdale, Ariz; and many cousins and friends.

Visit www.wfh-ofallon.com to sign the on-line guestbook or offer condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Mrs. Vera McGuire are requested to the Scholarship Fund of the O'Fallon United Church of Christ or to the Meditation Garden at O'Fallon Community Park, which is being created in her honor, funded by contributions received at her recent 100th Birthday celebration.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, February 1, 2008, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon. The O'Fallon United Church of Christ Women's Guild will conduct a service at 6:00 pm. The O'Fallon Woman's Club will conduct a walk-through at 6:45 pm. The Order of the Easter Star will conduct a service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue from 10:00 -11:00 am Saturday, February 2, 2008 at O'Fallon United Church of Christ, 206 West Adams.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 2, 2008 at O'Fallon United Church of Christ, with Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer and Rev. David Gerth officiating. Burial will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery.