Stephanie Voytas, age 65, of Marissa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 8:04 a.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022 at her residence.
She was born August 13, 1956 in Pinckneyville, IL, the daughter of the late Donald and Roberta (McCrary) Schneider. She married Bernell Voytas February 21, 1975. He preceded her in death October 7, 2007.
Surviving are two daughters: Jennifer (James Voges) Ferguson of Lenzburg, IL and Lacey (Jeremy) Schmersahl of Coulterville, IL; four grandchildren: Jalene (Bradley) Goetting of St. Libory, IL, and Landen, Josephine and Quinnley Schmersahl of Coulterville; four bonus grandchildren; James, Lucas, Lydia and Vivian Voges of Fayetteville, IL; one great-grandson; Ash Goetting of St. Libory; two brothers: Michael (Norma) Schneider and Mark (Michelle) Schneider, both of Pinckneyville; her special aunts: Dana McCrary and Mary McCrary; four nieces: Tracy Loos, Kristy Meagher, Jayci Papenberg and Jaime Thompson; three nephews: Bradley Hoehner, Brady Stewart and AJ Stewart; three sisters-in-law: Donna (Robert) Stewart, Karla (David) Osman and Victoria Voytas; and many great-nieces, great-nephews and cherished friends.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a niece, Kati Schneider and special cousins John and Zach McCrary.
Stephanie graduated from Rend Lake Cosmetology School in 1975 and worked as a beautician. She also worked for the Marissa School District for thirty three years, and was affectionately known as “Chef Steph”. Stephanie lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling with her Clique, family vacations, camping and shopping the Annual Spoon River Drive. From gathering for Bingo to her monthly card club, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Stephanie was a Lifetime Girl Scout and enjoyed reuniting with the many girls lives she touched throughout the years. Her love for snowman and gnomes was apparent when you visited her home, but the search for Big Foot was her passion. She made many trips to find him and perfected the Sasquatch call! Halloween was her favorite holiday and she was the most popular witch on East Drive, all the kids loved to come visit her and she loved them. Her lifelong dedication to the Marissa High School band was honored with an amazing retirement parade and concert performance this year.
According to her wishes, her remains will be cremated and interred at Coulterville Cemetery in a private service. A public Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the Bull Pen, 101 N. Van Buren, New Athens, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Marissa District 40, c/o the high school band, and mailed to 9 East Drive, Marissa, IL 62257.