Shirley Schwarztrauber Stroud, Meema, 92, born September 4, 1929, died December 15, 2021 at her residence in Lebanon, Illinois.
Born in Richmond Heights, MO, but lived her entire life almost exclusively in East St. Louis, Caseyville, and Lebanon Illinois. She graduated East St. Louis High School and then later married Robert Nels Stroud (an infantry veteran of WWII) in 1951. She is the mother to 4 children (Rob, Eric, Sally, Guy). She was widowed in 1968, and went back to school to earn her BA in English, cum laude, from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville. She taught high school English, Literature, and Journalism primarily at Granite City South, and North high schools.
She loved teaching, was an avid reader, and enjoyed the study of history. Most importantly: She was the best of a special generation; cultured, upstanding, and fun loving. She was our precious mother, and a true blessing to all of us that knew her.
She is survived by her:
- Brother: Terry Schwarztrauber of Belleville, IL
- Sister: Carol Betta of St. Louis, MO
- Children
- Eric Stroud of Caseyville, IL
- Sally (Allen) Moore of Collinsville, IL
- Guy (Tracy) Stroud of Harrisburg, MO
- Grandchildren
- Jennifer (Jake) Stygar
- Jon (Paige) Stroud
- Kimberly Stroud
- Kristina (Julian) Foley
- Matthew Stroud
- Michael Stroud
- Joshua Stroud
- Joseph Stroud
- Great grandchildren
- Emma, Levi, Ezekiel, and Arlo
Preceded in death by her:
- Son: Nels Robert Stroud
- Husband: Robert Nels Stroud
- Brother: Roger Schwarztrauber
- Father: William Orlando Schwarztrauber
- Mother: Mildred Schwarztrauber
Gathering: A memorial gathering and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 1pm to 4 pm at 1103 Belleville Street, Lebanon, Illinois.
Memorials: The family requests that no flowers or memorial contributions be given.