Marjorie 'Midge' L. (Schwarberg) Roseberry

Marjorie “Midge” Roseberry was born on August 25, 1929, in Springfield, IL to Fred Schwarberg and Nellie (Osburn) Schwarberg. Raised by her parents and her Aunt Lou, she was indulged and doted on as the proverbial only child. She liked to swim and danced adagio. Midge graduated from Lanphier High School in 1947 and worked as a bookkeeper until her path crossed that of a foxy, young baseball player who treated her like the princess she was. She married Donald Lyon Roseberry on October 10, 1951, and became a devoted wife. She left city life behind and moved with Don from one rural town to the next until finally putting down anchor in Pittsfield, IL. They had three children, who survive them: Marilee Casteel of Chatham, IL; Mike (Stacy) Roseberry and Mark (Debbie) Roseberry, both of Pittsfield, IL. When she wasn’t chasing her kids around with a flyswatter or keeping the books for Don’s gas station, Midge loved to cut a rug at the local dance hall with Don and friends. Don preceded her in death in 1986.

Midge’s second act in life was as a grandmother. She is survived by six grandchildren: Scott Casteel, Erin (Dax) Campbell, Natalie Roseberry, Jade (Jeremy Schoenherr) Roseberry, Kelle (Trent) Monroe, and Cory (Natalie) Roseberry. Affectionately called “Tootsie” by her grandkids, she was excessively generous with her time and money. Visits to Tootsie’s were marked with interminable games of rummy, fast food take-out, and candy from the glass elephant on the microwave. She traveled hours to see diving meets, softball and basketball games, and the like, rarely missing an opportunity to see us in action. Shopping trips with Tootsie were epic. With credit card in hand, she was indefatigable, especially when prom dresses were involved. In summer, her pool was always open and her snack drawer full of ding-dongs and potato chips. And if that wasn’t enough, we took coins from the doggie bank and walked to the Dairy Ripple. At Christmas, her doorways were strung with mistletoe, her kitchen smelled of pinwheels and pizzelles, and her family room was impassible due to the flood of presents under the tree.

For a woman who didn’t travel often, Midge was religious in her annual pilgrimage to Sarasota, Florida. Joined by her family and her best friend, Annalu, her two weeks there were filled with sunbathing, Scum games, Italian restaurants, and more than one “midge-slide” at the beach bar. Later trips included her eight great-grandchildren: Ryleigh, Addison, and Chase Campbell, Terra Schoenherr, Hailey and Cori Jo Monroe, and Jordyn and Kamryn Roseberry.

Midge had a great sense of humor. Her quips were subtle and witty, and she delivered with a straight face. She was fiercely loyal (never giving up on the Chicago Cubs) and quite stubborn. She adored animals, despite having a statistically improbable number of psychotic dogs and cats over the years (not to mention a poo-flinging monkey). Her collection of elephant figurines was unrivaled, and she never turned down a trip to the casino. She loved cigarettes, chocolate, and Olive Garden’s cheese ravioli. She drove fast and was always reading a good thriller. But what defined her most was her enduring love for her family. She loved to spend time with us, and we with her. Her love was unconditional, even for the Cardinal’s fans among us.

Midge died on August 30, 2024, just days after celebrating her 95th birthday with her family. A private service was held for the family. If you would like to commemorate Midge’s life, please send memorials to Saukee Nation or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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