Mary Ann Stein

August 4, 1932 - May 21, 2022

Mary Ann Kreutzberg Stein passed away peacefully at Stillwater Senior Living in Edwardsville with family by her side on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the age of 89. She was born on August 4, 1932, in rural Marine, the youngest of six children of the late Gustave L. and Esther Gottenstrator Kreutzberg. She grew up on her parents' farm, cherishing the ideals instilled there, and that is where her love of animals began, especially cats, dogs, and horses. Mary had a ready smile, quick wit, mischievous twinkle in her eyes and loved to reminisce about her country days. She thoroughly enjoyed a good joke, often the cornier the better, and loved April Fool's Day. She attended Wider Range and Pin Oak one room country schools and graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1950. At the tender age of 18 she left the farm to begin work as a legal secretary for the late retired Circuit Judge Jesse R. Brown. She remained there until his passing on May 30, 1964. Her career in the legal field spanned 70 years and she was immensely proud to have been associated with not only Judge Brown but also attorneys Dick H. Mudge beginning September 14, 1964, and J. William (Bill) Lucco for 40+ years. She was happiest assisting their many clients through the years. On August 7, 1975, she married John L. Stein of Du Quoin, Illinois; they traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world. He predeceased her on May 19, 2019. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four siblings: Bonnielou Wehrend, Robert Kreutzberg, Ralph Kreutzberg, Fred (Fritz) Kreutzberg and nephew, David Kreutzberg. She is survived by sister Hazel Seitz of Highland, sister-in-law Eileen Kreutzberg of Edwardsville and by nieces and nephews and their spouses: Jean and Ken Hughes of Edwardsville, Stephen Kreutzberg and Theresa LaFave of Surprise, Arizona, Mary and Alan Smead of Independence, Missouri, William (Bill) and Kathy Kreutzberg of Edwardsville, and Anna and Greg Gelfand of Olivette, Missouri. She also leaves behind numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. Per her wishes private burial services will be held at Marine City Cemetery with Weber and Rodney Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Partners for Pets in care of the funeral home. The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the amazing Stillwater staff and family for their many kindnesses extended to her as well as to Vitas Healthcare for their gentle aid and concern. We will miss you Aunt Mary.