This memorial website was created in fond memory of our beloved, Mary Beth (Mimi) Kistler, 74, born on February 16, 1941 and passed away on September 24, 2015.
Mary graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1958. Following high school, Mary attended Belleville Junior College (now Southwesten Illinois College) and the Hickey School of Business in St. Louis, MO. She began her secretarial career in June of 1960 in Chicago, IL and later worked as a flight attendant for America West Airlines. She was a very outgoing, spirited individual, and a stranger to no one. Her every day was dedicated to being a loving wife, wonderful mother and grandmother, a devoted sister, endearing aunt and cousin, and a warm and caring friend. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.
She was proceeded in death by her husbands Guy Wilbur Kistler and Charles Schiele, her mother and father Gertrude VanEizenga Gamble and George Gamble, and her siblings, Georgellen Marshall, Donald L.Gamble and Richard E. Gamble, and her niece Dr. Sandee Abbott.
She leaves behind four daughters and their families: daughter Jodi Smith McNamara and husband Dennis McNamara, with grandchildren Alistaire and Riley McNamara; daughter Jana Smith Smoley and husband Nye Smoley, with grandchildren Jake and Nick Smoley; daughter Jennifer Kistler Morgan and husband Mike Morgan, with grandchildren Anthony, Jordyn and Austin Morgan; and daughter Juli Kistler Petronzi and husband Jason Petronzi.
She also leaves behind a niece, Randee Marshall Rittmeyer, and husband Stan Rittmeyer, with their children Amy and Jeff Rittmeyer; nephews Charles Marshall, Richard Gamble and Donald Gamble; grandnieces Remi Abbott Ratliff and her husband Shannon Ratliff, with their children Caroline, Harrison and Amanda Abbott with her daughter Grace Abbott Thompson; and four stepchildren, Guy, Scott, Susan and Candace Kistler as well as their families. She is survived by her former husband Ed Smith and fondly remembered by his wife Susan Morris Smith and their children, Andrew Smith and Rebecca Smith Masterson and her son Xia Masterson. She is also warmly remembered by her best friend, Jeanette Miles. We will remember her always and forever.
A private ceremony will be held for immediate family members. However, we recognize Mary Beth as a woman of many friends in many places and we warmly welcome you to remember her here. Help us to celebrate her life in sharing the thoughts, memories and photographs of those she touched, and to memorialize her for future generations.
We will truly appreciate and cherish your Mimi moments.
