Mardelle Harvey
Bethalto |
Mardelle Ann “Mardy” Harvey, 84, of Bethalto, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 15, 2024, at Cedarhurst of Bethalto. She is now in the glorious presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and is reunited with passed loved ones.
Mardy was born on October 4, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Elbert and Viola (Fentiman) Miller. She grew up in rural Nebraska with her younger sister, Raylene.
Mardy met her future husband, Drexel Lee Harvey, who is from the Wood River, Il area, while attending Peru State Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska. They were married in 1961 in Elmwood, Nebraska and then moved to the metro east when Drexel took a job teaching at Southwestern High School. They raised three children together until their divorce in 1976. Mardy then finished raising her three children as a single mom while working full-time as a Secretary for Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Dental School.
Mardy was an active member of Bethalto United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and participated in the church’s women’s groups. She enjoyed many hobbies including crochet, jig-saw puzzles and making jewelry with her daughter. Mardy loved the outdoors, especially gardening, bird watching, and mushroom hunting. Her favorite hobby was spending time on the beach at Marco Island hunting for seashells with her daughter.
By far, the things Mardy cherished most in life were her family and friends. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always the focus of her life. She also loved animals and rescued many cats and a few dogs throughout her life.
Mardy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nanette and William Galbraith of Alton, Il; two grandsons, Mitchell Lee Harvey (Alesha Laisure) of Florida and Justin Galbraith (Leah) of Brighton, Il; two granddaughters, Amanda Galbraith of Alton, Il and Kasey Harvey of Chicago, Il; three great-granddaughters, Emmalyn Harvey, Kayleigh Galbraith, and Savannah Lee Harvey; and a sister, Raylene Curnes of Nebraska.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Richard Lee "Rick" Harvey and Brett Alan Harvey.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 9:00 am until the time of funeral services at 10:30 am at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, Illinois with Reverend Faye Edmiaston officiating.
Burial will take place in the Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences can be given at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
