Janet Kay Wargel

Janet Catherine ""Kay"" Wargel, age 72, of Ridgway, IL, went to be with her dearly departed family and her Heavenly Father on Friday, October 18, 2013, in Indianapolis , IN. Kay, as most knew her, was born east of Ridgway on August 3, 1941, to the late Edwin and Dolores (Abell) Schmitt. On Feb. 12, 1957, she married Jim Wargel who survives. She was a faithful member of the St. Kateri Catholic Church.

Kay, with her big loving heart, was a hub in Ridgway for her family and her extended family and was never happier than on holidays, Sunday dinners, and Popcorn Day when people filled every room of her home.

Anyone who knew Kay has memories of great fun and laughter, from when she first lived in a trailer in Gary, IN to sitting at the kitchen table smashing pecans into caramel to make her famous turtles. They will never forget her laughing and jovial spirit.

Kay's passions were playing cards, babysitting her grandchildren, taking care of her family and friends, but above all her church and her God. She loved to cook for people, and this summer she made 80 loaves of zucchini bread to give away. Even when she had a hard time walking, she would not miss her grandchildren's school activities sometimes hours away. Kay also enjoyed catching up with everyone on Facebook and playing games on her Ipad. Each of her children are blessed with a beautiful cross-stitched quilt made with her loving hands. Kay was a most self-sacrificing person who always put others first. She left too soon, but will be remembered as a wonderful and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed.

Kay is survived by her husband Jim of Ridgway, three sons, Larry (Karin)Wargel of Marion IL; Steve Wargel of Tell City, IN; Terry (Gina) Wargel of Ridgway; two daughters, Ronda (Kevin) Drone of Ridgway; and Bridget Bray of Monrovia IN. Kay also had 11 grandchildren who were Paul J. (Michelle) Schafer, Cord (Mallory) Wittig, Sarah Wittig, Lily Graves Wargel, Phillip (Chelsea) Wargel, Falyn Wargel, Anthony Drone, Quinton Drone, Katelen Drone, Ian Bray and Trinity Bray. Great Grandchildren are Tatum Wargel, Cole Schafer, and Montana Schafer. Three brothers who are Raymond ""Bud"" Schmitt of Shawneetown; Jerry (Gena) Schmitt of Mt. Vernon IN; and David (Lucinda) Schmitt of Ridgway. Her sisters are Sue (Burt) Naas of Ridgway; Jean (Frank)Wills of Junction, IL; Jane (Tom) Harmon of Shawneetown; and Lynnie (Jim) Schanzle of Carmi IL; and a brother-in-law Jack Dickey of Ridgway. Kay was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Mary Ann Dickey, a sister-in-law Betty Schmitt, and a nephew, Michael Schmitt.

Visitation for Kay will be on Sunday, October 20, 2013, at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm where prayer service will begin at 4:00 pm. Kay's funeral mass will be on Monday, October 21, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Chapel in Equality, IL starting at 11:00 am. Fr. Steven Beatty will be the Celebrant and interment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery near Equality.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to St. Kateri Catholic Church Building Fund in her memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com