Connie Lou (Saladin) Romine

Connie Lou Romine of St. James, Missouri passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri. She was 90 years of age.

Connie, the daughter of the late Ervin Jacob “Butch” and Florence Artie (Reed) Saladin, was born December 26, 1932 in St. James, Missouri. She was united in marriage to Donald Walter Romine on July 22, 1951 at the Church of God in St. James, Missouri.

Connie is survived by her daughter, Linda Spurgeon and husband, Norman of St. James, Missouri; son, Larry Romine and wife, Beverly of St. James, Missouri; brother, Chet Saladin of Rolla, Missouri; sister, Sharon Alexander of Sullivan, Missouri; grandchildren: Jeremy Romine (Heather), Courtney Burns (Mitchell), Ashley Lind (Josh) and Erin Spurgeon; great-grandchildren: Cody, Gavin, Tommy, Megan, Michael, Samantha, Chaz, Aubrey, Brynlee, Cooper, and Heuston; and great-great-grandchildren: Clint, Beau, and Hadley.

Connie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don who passed away August 30, 2018; brothers, Robert and Richard; and sister, Mary Rodgers.

Connie grew up on a farm in rural St. James; she loved running free on the farm whether it be chasing cattle or rollicking with her siblings and friends in their favorite childhood games. Growing up on the farm, she spent many hours helping her mother tend the vegetable garden and harvest its produce every summer. After graduating high school, she worked for Shine Bowen at his Corner Drugstore, and it was here that she met the love of her life. As she was busy serving ice cream sodas or helping customers, a very brave little mouse crossed her path. As one can imagine, the little mouse was not welcome. Thankfully, Connie was rescued by a bread delivery man, Don Romine. Don captured the mouse as well as capturing Connie’s heart.

Upon her marriage to Don, Connie lovingly created a home for her family. She shared her love for gardening, flowers, and fun over the many years of raising her children and grandchildren. She canned more quarts of vegetables than one can count. Her family loved her delicious meals that were built around her garden’s harvest. She enjoyed adding beauty to her yard with her many varieties of flowers.  She loved attending sporting events and cheering for her children or grandchildren as well as showing support for the community. She was a talented seamstress, and she worked at the coat factory for several years. After leaving the coat factory, she worked in the school cafeteria for 25 years. However, one of her earliest jobs was working for Dr. Scott at his hospital in St. James.

She centered her life on her faith in God, and she and Don built their family on this foundation. She was very active in helping at church; she was in attendance every time the church doors were open. Over the years, she was a Sunday School teacher, a choir member, a song leader, and the Sunday School Secretary. Her beautiful soprano voice complemented many choral pieces over the years in the church choir under the direction of Mabel Gahr, singing solos and singing specials with her family. Connie will be missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, September 11, 2023 at First Church of God in St. James with Bro. Don Carson officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Romine, Cody Romine, Gavin Romine, Mitchell Burns, Chaz Burns, and John Lind. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

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