Jeannine Elizabeth Arpin

On a winter day in Belleville, Illinois, January 10, 1946, Anthony “Atz” and Amanda “Mandy” Buss welcomed their third child, a beautiful blonde baby girl named Jeannine Elizabeth. From the beginning, Jeannie radiated warmth and kindness. Seventeen months later, she became a proud big sister to her brother Tommy, a bond she treasured all her life. She loved all of her siblings with her whole heart, but the connection between her and Tommy was especially tender.

She grew up on West J Street, filled with the simple joys of neighborhood life, strong family ties, and faith at St. Mary Catholic grade school. She later graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame, proud of her education and ready for the world ahead. After graduation, Jeannie worked as a senior typist at Chicago Title in Belleville. There, she not only found work she enjoyed but also friendships that would last a lifetime, including her dear friend Tama Woodrome, who would later become family when she married Jeannie’s brother Tony.

It was during these years that fate stepped in. On a family visit to Fort Leonard Wood, a young private named Ronald “Ronnie” Arpin caught a glimpse of Jeannie through a window and could not stop stealing glances. The following weekend, he persuaded his buddy Tony to bring him home for a visit, and from then on their love story was written. On September 24, 1966, Jeannie married her handsome soldier at St. Mary Catholic Church in Belleville. Together, Jeannie and Ron were often compared to Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, a dazzling couple with a deep love that stood the test of time.

Their greatest joy came in raising a family. In July 1967, while Ron was serving in Vietnam, Jeannie welcomed their first son, Ronald Anthony “Ronnie” Arpin. Their second son, Steven Lee “Stevie” Arpin, arrived in 1969. In 1973, Jeannie rejoiced in the birth of her daughter, Pamela Jean “Pammie” Arpin. Their family was made complete in 1975 with the arrival of Cheryl Ann “Cherie” Arpin. Jeannie poured her heart into motherhood, creating a home on South 22nd Street where there may not have been fancy things, but there was a love so rich it spilled out to everyone who entered.

In that home, Jeannie became a second mom to countless neighborhood kids, classmates, and friends. Music filled the air as she played the piano, singing “You Are My Sunshine” with her children and the kids who gathered around. Her kitchen was always warm, her pies legendary, and her meals the kind that nourished both body and soul. The love she and Ron built in that home has carried on through generations.

Jeannie’s life was filled with both joy and heartbreak. She endured the loss of a baby through miscarriage, and her family finds peace knowing she is now holding that child in Heaven. In 2001, she lost her beloved Ron after a brief illness, a time when she never left his side. Though her heart was broken, she carried on with strength, faith, and the love of her family.

She is reunited in Heaven with her husband Ronald L. “Ronnie” Arpin; her parents, Anthony H. “Atz” and Amanda Eva “Mandy” (Doetsch) Buss; her in-laws, Ronald “Frenchie” and Ella Mae Arpin; her brothers, Anthony Buss and Thomas Buss; her brothers-in-law, Richard “Ricky” Arpin, Roy Dean Arpin, and Elmer “Butch” Minemann; her sister-in-law, Roxanna “Roxy” Swatek; her nieces, Chrissy and Toni Lynn Buss; her “extra son” Lane Kimbro; her lifelong friend from 22nd Street, Barb Mank; and her dear friend Suzuko Stallings.

Left to carry on her memory are her loving children: Ronald (London) Arpin of Red Bud, IL; Steven Arpin of Du Quoin, IL; Pamela (Brett) McDill of Red Bud, IL; Cheryl (Jeremy) Stallings of Red Bud, IL; and Patrick (Nicole) Maraman of Lancaster, OH.

Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Mark (Megan) Enskat, Ronnie (Michelle) Arpin, the grandson who affectionately nicknamed her “Grandma J9” when he was just a little boy, Chandler (Jazzmn) Arpin, Kayla (Jake) Andry, Gavin (Josilynn) McDill, Owen Stallings, Carter Stallings, Ian Arpin, Nolan (Melissa) Maraman, Samantha Maraman, and Kyle Loughner.

Her great-grandchildren brought her endless delight: Brock, Aaron, Maddie, Laiyni, Charleiy, Macoy, Ryder, Aryiel, Matildaa, Addison, Malia, Ace, and Ryx.

She is also survived by her sister and sisters-in-law whom she loved with her whole heart: Patricia Minemann of Belleville, IL; Rhonda Adkins, Vera Daniels, and Rita Rippee, all of Wichita, KS; Sharon Buss of Belleville, IL; and Tama Allard of Belleville, IL. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her dearest friends were JoAnn Schraeder of Belleville, IL, Richard and Lana Musil of Belleville, IL, and Paulette Gorecki of St. Louis, MO. Jeannie was also the proud godmother to Julie Panik, and to her grandchildren Kayla and Carter.

And to her extended family including the countless neighbor kids, classmates, and friends she welcomed as her own, you know who you are. Though too many to name, you were all part of her heart and her story.

Jeannie was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Belleville. Her faith sustained her and set the foundation for her family. Her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of her Lord, reunited with those she missed so dearly, and continuing to watch over the family she adored.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Belleville, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville.

In honor of Jeannie’s generous heart, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Her story is one of love, kindness, and faith. She gave everything to her family, her friends, and her community, and her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched.