Betty Lou Heinlein

She passed peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Millstadt IL, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Heinlein was preceded in death by husband of 54 years Clarence Eugene “Gene-O”; her parents Thomas L. and Maudie, nee Joseph, Rowe: three sisters, and brothers-in-law, Virginia Rowe, Herman & Barbara, nee Rowe, Hargrave, and Richard & Dorthy, nee Rowe, Caldwell; two nephews, Warren Hargrave and Michael Caldwell, and her niece, Brenda nee, Caldwell, Rowling.

Surviving is her son, Randy (Shawn) Heinlein of Millstadt IL; grandson, Cory (fiancé Amber Smith) Heinlein of Fort Worth TX; nephews, Wayne (Susan) Hargrave of Waterloo, IL. and Danny (Barb) Heinlein of Columbia, IL and many great-nieces and great-great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Heinlein was baptized and confirmed on December 23, 1951at Evangelical Lutheran Church in East St. Louis IL. Betty and her husband, Gene operated Gene's Butcher Shop for several years. She also worked for Krupp Florist, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, was the secretary at Metro East Marine, Hostess at Panorama (now Bel-Air Bowl), and an attendant at Lucky Jack's. Betty loved being outdoors and especially being with friends and family. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A time of visitation will be at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville Il from 10:00 A.M. -12:45 P.M. on Friday, May 8, 2026. Burial to follow, at 1:00 P.M. at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.