Barbara Schnelten | 85 | White Hall
Barbara Jean Rabe Schollmeier Schnelten, 85, passed away peacefully at her home with her children at her side on Tuesday May 23, 2023.
She was born Sept. 24, 1937 on the Bradshaw Mound in rural Greene County to John Henry Rabe and Ella Eileen Chapman Rabe.
She married Dalbert Edward Schollmeier in 1956. Barb and Dalbert had six children: Three daughters: Debra Ann (Terry) Engel of Roodhouse, Gloria Mae (Eric) Ottwell of Roodhouse, Sharon Jean (Bob) VanBebber of Murrayville, and three sons Darrell Wayne, Robert Edward, and John Henry all of Roodhouse.
In 1976, she married her second husband, John Bernard Schnelten, Jr. Barb and John had one son, Eric Dewayne Schnelten (David Nokes) of Louisiana, Missouri.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, her son Darrell, two sisters: Shirley Ann (Dallas) Day of Alton and Betty Eileen (Harold) Smith of White Hall, Ronnie Lee (Donna) Rabe of Wrights, as well as a sister-in-law Verna Rabe of White Hall.
In addition to her surviving six children, seven grandchildren, and all 11 great-grandchildren, Barbara also leaves behind a brother, Jim (and wife Janis) Rabe of White Hall, along with several nieces and nephews.
Barb loved her family more than anything in this world. She was a proud mother and grandmother who lived for her children and her Lord. She was proud of her upbringing, loved to tell her story of being born on the Bradshaw Mound, and always said it was the highest hill in Greene County. She talked many times of her walking from home to the one-room schoolhouse, New Shiloh School. She loved working outside on the farm with cattle, hogs, and chickens. She was an avid gardener who canned fruits and vegetables to feed her family throughout the year. She would deliver vegetables to her neighbors, family, and friends.
Barb loved her church families at each church she attended: Athensville Baptist Church, Pleasant Point Baptist Church, Richwood Baptist Church, White Hall First Baptist and more recently Martin’s Prairie Baptist Church. Barb’s family, church family, and friends all enjoyed her piano playing. Playing by ear, Barb had a special talent that many admired and enjoyed.
Barbara will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
May our sweet mother continue to protect us throughout our lives. We will miss you, Mama.
A funeral service were held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at White Hall First Baptist Church with burial followed in White Hall Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in White Hall. Memorials may be made to Martin’s Prairie Church. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com Please join the family for fellowship at the First Baptist Church following the graveside service.
