Arita Jean Scheirmann, 86 of Hazleton, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 at home.

She was born April 9, 1925 in Allendale, Ill. to William Fletcher and Opal Marie (Lovellette) Sharp. 

She attended nursing school in Olney, Ill. She retired in 1987 from Crestview Nursing Home as housekeeping supervisor.  She loved listening to Gaither gospel music, her flower garden, her grandchildren and dogs.

She is survived by her children, David M. Cates Sr. and  friend Sheila, Ike and Kathleen Belcher, Pete and Beth Anne Hughes, John and Kaye Cates, Susan Cates and Randall Thomas; grandchildren, David Jr. (Jennifer) Cates, Scott (Stephanie) Conway, Scott Allen Cates, Angie Woolems, Christopher (Jaleigh) Cates, Ikey Jr. (Garie) Belcher, Jeannie (Robert) Breen, Melissa (Brian) Fox, Emily (Trent) Phillips, Nicole (Christopher) Compton, Jennifer (Travis) Virden, Melanie Cates, Jon Thomas; 20 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Ruth) Sharpe; one nephew; two nieces; and an uncle, Raymond Lovellette.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Sylvester L. Cates in 1988 (the father of her children); and her second husband of 23 years, Robert J. Scheirmann in 1994.

Graveside services will be at 12:30 p.m. (central) Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Vincennes with burial will follow. 

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until noon (central) on Saturday at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton.