Erma Mary Abbitt, nee Rector, 89, of Collinsville, Ill., born Jan. 10, 1922, in Creal Springs, Ill., died at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Ill.



Mary retired as a customer service rep from Illinois Power Co., after 38 years of service. At age 70 she was not ready to be retired and continued working for another few years. She was best known for her beautiful smile and enjoyed "being on the go" with family and friends.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Reuel Rector and Margaret Edith, nee Ogden, Wright; and a brother, Harold R. Rector.



Surviving are her daughter, Anita (Earl) Johnson of Collinsville, Ill.; half-brother, Lewis Wright of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren, Suzanne (Jerry)Norton and Herbert Graham; great-grandchildren, Cody and Tara Murphy and Justin Graham; many close personal friends; and her two special babies, Sadie and Samie.



Mrs. Abbitt's family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Village Nursing Home and the excellent nurses on the third floor medical team at Anderson Hospital for their outstanding care, kindness, and support. In addition we would like to thank Unity Hospice for their compassion and inspiration in her final days.



Memorials may be made to the Belleville Humane Society or the Billhartz Animal Shelter. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com



Per her request, Mrs. Abbitt was cremated.



HERR FUNERAL HOME, Collinsville, Ill.