Barbara Jean “Jeanie” Ratermann, 79, of Sandoval passed away surrounded by the love of her family, on Friday, September 1, 2023, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Il.
She was born on October 9, 1943, the daughter of Floyd and Eunice (Ververs) Walker in Vandalia, Il. She married Jerome “Jerry” Ratermann on June 17, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle, IL. He survives her in Sandoval, Il.
Along with her husband of 57 years, Jerry Ratermann, survivors that will remember the way Jeanie always offered everyone a warm smile and a hello hug include her beloved family, sons, Jon Ratermann of Sandoval, Josh and wife Tera of Florida; daughter, Jill Belcher and husband Kurtis of Patoka; grandchildren, Gavin Ratermann, Josi Ratermann, Garrett Belcher, Drew Belcher, and Nolan Ratermann.
Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Eunice Walker, sister Carolyn Dye, and brothers Steve and Mike Walker.
Jeanie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who above all treasured the time she spent with each of them. Her favorite Sunday pastime was the shopping trip with her sister, Carolyn. She was one of many that attended the one-room, Red Stripe Country School and went on to graduate from Sandoval High School in 1961. Jeanie attended the Coiffeur School of Beauty Culture of Belleville, IL, and started working as a hairdresser for Dorothy Voss in Sandoval. For over 50 years she was a beautician, but more than that she was a friend to her ladies. She worked out of her home and formed many lasting relationships while perming, cutting, and curling hair. When Jeanie wasn’t tending to her ladies in the beauty shop, she was working her green thumb in the flower garden. She loved watching the flowers bloom and nurturing the plants to their bounty. Jeanie was the true meaning of a St. Louis Cardinal Fan. She had the pleasure of visiting all the stadiums: Sportsman Park, Busch Stadium, Busch I and Busch II. When her health would later prevent her from attending a game, Jeanie didn’t miss the action. She would cheer them on from the comfort of her home by either turning on the television if broadcasted or tuning in the radio for the play-by-play. Most of all, Jeanie loved to cheer on her grandchildren at all their sporting events. Jeanie took great pride in being a member of the General John A. Logan, National Society Daughters of the Union, Sandoval Woman’s Club, and was a faithful member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Her servant’s heart, infectious smile, and sweet soul will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Father Patrick Peter officiating. Interment will follow at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery in Sandoval. Friends and relatives are welcome to visitation hours from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the Day Macz Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Jeanie’s honor to St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery or Steve Walker’s Memorial Park. Online condolences and memories of Jeanie may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfunerhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
