Mary Casteel
Collinsville | Save
Mary Louise Casteel, 79, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 21, 1946, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mary was the cherished daughter of the late John and Rozella (Bainter) Herring Sr.
On October 2, 1965, Mary Herring married the love of her life, Jerry Casteel, in Marion, Ohio. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to devotion, faith, and enduring love, spanning sixty wonderful years. Together they built a life rooted in family, laughter, and unwavering commitment.
Mary attended Solid Rock Free Methodist Church in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, where her quiet strength and warm spirit reflected her deep faith. She was gifted with a creative eye and a gentle touch, working as a talented floral designer for several florists in the Washington, D.C. area. Later, she dedicated many years of service to Sears in Collinsville, where her friendly smile and kind heart left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike.
Mary found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved watching birds, especially cardinals and took special delight in feeding hummingbirds. A good book in hand brought her peace, but nothing compared to the happiness she felt when surrounded by her family. Her grandson and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent loving, encouraging, and yes, spoiling them.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brothers, John Herring Jr. and Leroy Herring.
She leaves behind her devoted husband, Jerry Casteel (CMSgt, USAF, Retired) of Collinsville, Illinois; her loving daughters, Angela (John) Helisek of Alexandria, Virginia, and Suzanne (Tony Ales) Casteel of Cary, Illinois; her dear brother, Jerry Herring of Ft. Myers, Florida; her proud grandson, Gavin (Madison Wren) Casteel Boutwell; her beloved great-grandsons, Jack and Wesley; along with cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.
As a military wife Mary’s life was defined by love—given freely and received abundantly. She started her military service as a seamstress, tailoring uniforms and sewing rank insignias for junior airmen. When she lived in California she took an unpaid job as a teacher’s aide in the military dependent school. She furthered her knowledge by completing a chairside dental assistant course in order to provide quality dental care for military personnel when her husband was stationed in Germany. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her creativity, her steadfast faith, and the warmth she brought into every room. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
In celebration of her beautiful life, a memorial visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Ward Sussenbach.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the U.S.O., and contributions will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
