Vivian I. Urban

Vivian I. Urban, nee Bess, passed away at the age of 96, on January 23, 2024, at Four Fountains Convalescent Center, Belleville IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ida, nee Lewis, Bess; three sisters, Anna Bediant, Ellen Rawlings and Francis Harrison; two brothers, Jim and Benjamin Bess; and one daughter, Deborah Urban. She missed and loved all of them dearly.

She was the mother of six, five of whom are still living. Vivian lost her daughter Deborah to cancer. Deborah was 62. Vivian was born May 20, 1927, in Essex, Missouri.

Vivian moved to St. Louis immediately upon graduation from high school. She married William J. Urban on August 2, 1947, and they moved together to Cahokia, IL in 1954. Vivian and Bill had 6 children. Linda (Frank) Kulisky live in Seminole, FL. Joseph Urban is residing in California. Gary Urban and his wife Melody live in Washington. Harry Urban lives in Georgia. William Urban is the youngest, living in Belleville IL with his wife Rhonda. Vivian and Bill raised their children in Cahokia, IL until 1966 when they moved to Belleville.

Vivian is survived by 5 of her children; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; her sister, Emily Wooldridge of Sweet Springs, MO; and a host of nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country. All of whom she loved dearly.

Vivian attended secretarial school in St. Louis where she supported herself working at a trucking company while getting her education. She went on to work in advertising in St. Louis, and then at a law firm in Belleville until her retirement. Vivian was one of the early Paralegals in the field and embraced the new technology of computers easily. She was still texting and using FaceTime and Facebook until just a few weeks ago. She was an intelligent, diligent, strong woman.

She was a voracious reader and enjoyed gardening for most of her life. Vivian was active in a variety of civic organizations during her time in Belleville. She participated in the Red Hats, the art groups, earned quite a few medals from her participation in Volksmarch over the years. She also had fun playing recreational tennis. In addition, she enjoyed every minute she shared with her wonderful beloved late dog, Inky.

Vivian was a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and recently shared that “Jesus is calling”. She knew her time was near.

Memorials may be made to the Belleville Public Library. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at HYPERLINK "http://www.rennerfh.com" www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: A graveside service was held at 12 noon Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL. The service was held in the Garden of Prophets, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather services will be held in the chapel.

Arrangements by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL