Pearl A. Rusteberg, 92, of Belleville, Ill., born April 14, 1923, in Frankfort, New York, died Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Four Fountains Care Center, Belleville, Ill.

Pearl met the love of her life, Roy Rusteberg, in New York after World War II. She was a colorful Italian woman, transplanted from New York City where she worked in the fashion industry to rural Columbia. She truly brought vibrance and life into any room. Pearl's fashion expertise was put to practice when she began making decorator paper hats, earning her the Mad Hatter monocle.

She never left the house unless she was dressed with unique jewelry. To keep her collection organized, she kept a 4 x 8 ft. pegboard of costume jewelry.

Pearl was outspoken, strong in her faith and convictions. If she was in the room, you knew she was there. You were drawn to her. She was a dancer, baker, volunteer, caretaker and friend. To her family and friends she was fierce, fun and unforgettable.

Pearl was a member of Swansea Moose, Waterloo VFW Auxiliary and Waterloo American Legion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Phillip Rusteberg; and her parents, Joseph and Maria, nee DeMario, Durse.

Surviving are her children, Roy (Lana) Rusteberg of Fairview Heights, Ill., Carol (Laura Grandy) Bartle of Caseyville, Ill., and Cheryl (Mike) Faust of Collinsville, Ill.; grandchildren, Mark (Allison) Bartle, Carrie Bartle, Cristal (Quinton Smith) Faust, Michelle (Scott Moore) Faust, Ryan, Jessica and Emily Rusteberg, Brittany and Dustin Gross,; great-grandchildren, Austin, Braeden and Alyssa Bartle, Christian, Chirstin, Chandler, Cooper Agne and Carter Johnson.

Memorials may be made to Family Hospice, 5110 West Main Street, Belleville, Ill., 62226. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com.

Private memorial services will be held with the Rev. Charles West officiating. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, Ill.