Dolores "Dee" M. Gantt

Dee’s life was filled with energy and adventure. She grew up surrounded by the lively atmosphere of her parents’ social and bowling establishment, where she developed into an outstanding bowler in both her youth and adult years. Her impressive scores were often featured in local newspapers.

Dee was a graduate of Belleville schools. She worked as an administrative secretary at various firms in St. Louis, continuing her career until the age of 72. Dee was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Belleville. She was an active member of the Kappa Tau Sorority of Business and Professional Women. She participated in golf and bowling clubs as well. Dee and her late husband, Basil, enjoyed international travel with dear friends. She continued her travel adventures for many years with close friends after Basil’s passing.

Since Basil’s passing, devoted family member and friend, Carol Rettle (nee Schaefer), and Dee’s niece, Jo Wuebbels, lovingly cared for Dee. Dee spent the final year of her life in the gentle care of the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, where she found comfort, companionship, and support. In her last few months, Dee was compassionately cared for in the Dammert Center, also at the Shrine. Her time there was marked by the same grace and warmth she brought to every chapter of her life.

Preceding Dee in death is her husband Basil Gantt, her parents Charles “Kelly” Rettle and Reva Rettle (nee Denny), and her brother Robert L. Rettle.

Survivors are her nieces and nephew: Kim (Joe) Evans of East Carondelet, IL; Kay Rye of Fairview Hts., IL; Jo (Dave) Wuebbels of Shiloh, IL; Bob (Trish) Rettle of Edwardsville, IL; Peggy (Lamont) Rudock of Columbia, IL; Jayne Rettle of Belleville, IL, and their many children and grandchildren; several cousins; devoted family member Carol Rettle; and sister-in-law Paula Rettle (nee Deems).

A visitation for Dolores will be held Monday, June 16, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy West, Belleville, IL 62223, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM. Private interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO, alongside her beloved husband.