Glenita Emma Pensoneau, nee Thurston, 90, of Red Bud, Illinois, formerly of Fairview Heights, IL, born Monday, May 6, 1918, in East Saint Louis, Illinois, died Thursday, August 7, 2008 at her residence.

Glenita ran a sandwich shop prior to her marriage to Norman in 1937 and sold real estate later in life. She was absolutely devoted to her family and was happiest spending time with her 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was known for her fabulous cooking and always making everyone feel special and loved. She was a women of strong faith and convictions and her life reflected her love for the Lord and her family. Glenita was passionate about politics and education. Always known as "politically independent", she worked many years as a democratic poll judge and was elected Caseyville Township Assessor and precinct committeeman. She also served many years on Grant Illini School's PTA and Board of Education. She was the first woman elected to the Board of Education and served as president of both. She also served on the Belleville Area Special Education School Board and was very proud of being appointed to the State of Illinois Advisory Council on Adult Vocational and Technical Education and serving as it's first woman chairperson. She was a lifelong advocate for the fair education of children and the disadvantaged.

Preceded in death by her husband, Norman E. Pensoneau
parents, Glenn E. & Emma L. nee Koehler Thurston
sister - Dorothy Olive Cook
Great Grandson - Andrew Thomas Pensoneau
Brothers-in-law - Victor Cook
Donald Wolfe
Loren Bates
Joseph Pensoneau
William Pensoneau
Howard Pensoneau
Edgar Pensoneau

Survived by Son, Norman (Sheila McAllister) Pensoneau of Chester, IL,
Daughter, Susan (John) Mueth of San Antonio, TX,
Son, Gary Pensoneau of Red Bud, IL,
Son, Jack (Candee) Pensoneau of Prairie Du Rocher, IL,
Daughter, Lynn (Henry) Rohwedder of Waterloo, IL, Sister, Wilma "Billie" Wolfe of Paso Robles, CA, G
randchildren, Scott (Stephanie) Pensoneau,
Lori (Shannon Steibel) Pensoneau,
Norman (Fiance Stephanie Vollmer) Pensoneau,
Eric (Kimberly) Mueth,
Andy (Lanie) Pensoneau,
Jennifer Pensoneau,
Corey Rohwedder,
Amanda Rohwedder,
Dana Pensoneau,
Blake Pensoneau,
Great-Grandchildren, Kirsten Braun,
Cole Steibel,
Trevor Mueth,
Serenity Mueth,
Penelope Mueth,
Brittney Pensoneau,
Taylor Pensoneau,
Madison Pensoneau,
Sisters-in-law, Dorothy Modglin of Caseyville, IL,
Doris Bates of St. Louis, MO,
Nieces, Nephews & Cousins .

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois or any children's organization related to education or children in need.

Visitation: Friends may call 4-7 P.M., Sunday, August 10, 2008 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Monday, August 11, 2008 at Kurrus Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Clair Memorial Cemetery, Fairview Hgts., Illinois