Evelyn Schwartz

Evelyn "Jeanette" Schwartz, 95, of Bethany, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, surrounded by her family, who sang "Jesus Loves Me" as she went to reunite with other loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday November 6, 2018, at Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan, IL. Burial will be in the Marrowbone Twp. Cemetery, Bethany.
Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.reedfuneralhome.net

Jeanette was born on November 4, 1922 at Todd’s Point, IL, the daughter of Ray Pritts and Alta Zona (Powell) Pritts. She attended Bethany schools, beginning in the one room schoolhouse at West Hudson. She married Roger Dean Schwartz on August 3, 1939, and he preceded her in death on August 26, 1962. In addition to caring for Roger, who was an invalid, she lived her life as an extraordinary example raising seven children, teaching them the importance of honor, integrity, and love of God, country, and especially family. She and all the children were members of the First Christian Church of Bethany.

She then went to nursing school and was the top graduate in her Licensed Practical Nursing class. She immediately began a remarkable career lasting 25 years at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, where she specialized on the psychiatric ward. Known affectionately as "Schwartzie" by staff and patients alike, she gained a reputation among her co-workers and doctors of being able to help the complicated and complex treatment and healing of any patient with her professionally firm but understanding personality. This included especially uncooperative patients that even the police and security could not handle.

Jeanette is survived by thankful and devoted daughters Janet (Alex) Shealy, Kay (Ted) Atkinson, Louanne Banks, and Shirley (Lowell) Ford, all of Bethany, and Zona (Jerry) Speasl of Pleasanton, CA, and son John (Marsha) Schwartz of League City, TX. She was the cherished and highly revered "Granny" to 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. All of us feel deeply blessed to be part of her family.