Rebecca Alene Thompson passed away Aug. 29, 2013, in Edwardsville, Ill. She was a resident of Rosewood Care Center for the past several months. She was born Feb. 9, 1912, in Water Valley, Miss., two months prior to the sinking of the Titanic.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. "Dutch" Thompson, mother, Frieda (nee O'Brien) Nelson, father, Joseph I. Nelson, brother William "Red" Nelson, daughter, Doris Jean (Ray) Peradotti, and a close family friend, Walter Striker.

She is survived by her son, Charles L.(Mary Eileen) Thompson; six grandchildren, Alene (Denny) Hill, Louis (Patti) Dieu, Mark Dieu, Maria (Curt) Connor, Charles E. Thompson, and James (Brenda) Thompson; 12 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Rebecca "Becky" was loved by all who knew her. In her short stay at Rosewood, she was a staff favorite with her sweet smile and loving personality. She was an active member of St. Stephens Parish where she was a member of St. Anne's Alter Society and the Silvertones. She was an avid bowler and received many medals and awards. She was also a member of the Collinsville Women's Club and the Collinsville Women's Book Club.

The babies of the family benefited from her beautiful knitting and crochet work. She raised gift wrapping to an art form with her ribbon roses and beautifully wrapped gifts.

Her final passion had to be "Bingo". She could be counted on to be at Bingo every Sunday night at St. Stephens and was known to sneak down to the casino for a little "one armed bandit" afterwards.

She drove until she was 93 and lived in her own condo until she was 101 years old. She was an inspiration and a wonderful example to her family and all who knew her.

We wish to thank the staff at Rosewood in Edwardsville for their loving care.

Memorials may be made to VITAS Hospice.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville on Oct. 26, 2013, from 10 to 11 a.m. with funeral service at 11 a.m., a luncheon will follow.