Welcome to St. Louis Covid Memorial.
This site is dedicated to the people in St. Louis who lost their lives due to COVID-19. It’s important to tell their stories and to have a visual representation of their faces so that they may never become “just numbers” in this tragic deadly epidemic.
Please fill out the contact form and reach out if you would like to submit the story of a deceased person, help me out with this project, or just “say hi”.
Stay safe —
Sharon Marie Adams
Sharon Marie Adams passed from heart failure due to COVID-19 on July 15, 2020 at the age of 71. Although she'd recovered from a lengthy battle with coronavirus and tested negative shortly before her death, the virus had weakened her heart too much to for her body to stay alive. She was afflicted with Parkinson's and had recovered from a stroke, and thought she was going to survive COVID-19 like she had everything else.
Shirley Ann Alexander
Shirley Ann Alexander died within 72 hours of being diagnose with COVID-19 on August 23, 2020 at the age of 87. Because of broken bones in her neck from a recent fall, the ventilator caused Shirley to suffer too much and her family made the difficult decision to remove it. A niece was able to don personal protective gear and be with her in her last moments, so she didn't die alone like so many have.
Jenniffer Anderson-Davis – Nurse working at Meramec Bluffs senior living community in Ballwin (St. Louis County)
Jenniffer Anderson-Davis was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) living in Hazelwood and working at the Meramec Bluffs Life Plan Community in Ballwin (St. Louis County). She tested positive on April 9 and died of COVID-19 at home five days later on April 14th.
Jeniffer worked hard as a single mom to three kids and gave them everything she could. She loved the residents that she cared for, her family, her friends and her church. She is missed very much by all of them.
Gary Bader
Gary Bader passed away January 26th, 2021 of COVID-19 at the age of 75. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
William D. Baker, WWII Veteran
WWII Veteran William D. “Bill” Baker, died May 1 at Edwardsville Care Center of complications related from COVID-19.Bill is deeply missed by his 12 surviving children, 90 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren... and all his neighbors and friends that he made over his long life.
Richard “RC” Bartholic
Richard Bartholic died August 8, 2020 of COVID-19. He was 82 years old and died in an assisted care facility. Richard is remembered for singing to his closest friends, loving food, and being an all around amazing friend and great guy. He had an inspiringly positive attitude while continuing to recover from a stroke. After COVID-19 forced nursing homes to stop allowing visitors, his eyes would light up when the staff helped him use the phone to talk with his wife and family. Richard Bartholic is missed deeply by his wife Gayle of 64 years, his extended family, friends at The Stroke Club, friends he made at the assisted care facility, and everyone in his social circle.
Marie B. Baszis
Marie Baszis died of COVID-19 on May 7, 2020. She was 94 years old and caught the novel coronavirus in the nursing home she was living at. Her husband and life companion of 72 years had passed barely 6 months earlier in late 2019, and she was still sad about his death. Marie Baszis is missed deeply by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Peyton Baumgarth
Peyton Baumgarth was 13 years old and in his first semester of 8th grade at Washington Middle School (in Washington, MO), when he died of Covid-19 on October 31st, 2020. He was the youngest person to die, so far, from coronavirus in Missouri.
Peyton loved Christmas, making his friends and family smile, playing Pokemon, making Youtube videos about Pokemon, sports, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a typical 8th grade boy and was looking forward to starting highschool in 2021.
Peyton's mom told KMOV, "Wear a mask when you're in public, wash your hands and know that COVID is real."
Raymond H. Bayer, Sr.
Raymond H. Bayer Sr. died of complications from COVID-19 on July 20, 2020.
More than his career, Ray was a family man and married to his wife for 51 years. He was a doting father to his six children and truly enjoyed spending time with his family. He always had a smile and was loved by many.
Roger Dee Bennett
Roger Dee Bennet died of COVID-19 on September 26, 2020 after a month-long fight. He and his wife had just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary and were already planning out their big 60th together. Roger was an avid reader, baseball lover, animal lover and expert fish fryer (he also loved to fly fish). Before retiring he was an executive in the publishing industry, when he was known to sport a trim beard and smoke a pipe. He never stopped believing in justice. Roger's family wants people to honor him by supporting healthcare workers and wearing masks.
Kenneth Duane Bjelland
Kenneth D. Bjelland of Alton, IL died after a lengthy battle with COVID-19 on December 10, 2020 at the age of 74. Ken captained a sailboat named The Midnight Sun and was a regular fixture at Lithia Springs Marina in Shelbyville. His favorite things were sailing, seafood, and anything to do with water and travel. He retired as DeWitt County Farm Bureau manager in 2016 after 35 years and moved from Maroa IL to Alton to be with his wife. Ken will be remembered for his dry wit, adventurous palate, and love of life.
Dr. Jerry J. Bosse, PhD
Dr. Jerry J. Bosse, a clinical psychologist, died from complications of COVID-19 on May 17, 2020. Dr. Bosse was a solo practitioner (of "Life Appreciation Therapy") who believed that excellent mental health and general life satisfaction could be attained by choosing peace and joy.Dr. Jerry Bosse is missed by his six adult children, grand kids, friends, and everyone whose lives he made a little bit better in his vocation.
Thomas “Rick” Boul
Thomas R. "Rick" Boul died May 9, 2020 from COVID-19. He was 68 years old. Born in Belleville IL, Rick lived and worked in Belleville most of his life and will be missed by his extended family and friends.
Mary Agnes Boyer
Mary Agnes Boyer, 93, formerly of St. Louis, passed away April 20, 2020 at Grandview Healthcare Center in Washington, from complications of COVID-19. She is missed by her daughter, extended family, and friends that she made in life.
Terry “Mr. Fingers” Bradford
Terry Bradford passed of COVID-19 on September 8, 2020. He was 57 years old. Terry was a talented keyboard and organ player. For many years he served as the director for the Mass Choir and Music Department at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He had three kids of his own and was a father figure and role model to countless more. Terry kept his faith until the end. Terry Bradford is missed deeply by his mother, kids, extended family, church family, friends, and fans.
Ellen Lydia Brasunas
Ellen L. Brasunas died of COVID-19 three days after turning 96 on November 19, 2020. Ellen was a woman who gave to others and helped them heal. She first worked as a psychiatric nurse, stopping to raise her three children and returning to work as a public health and school nurse once she moved to St. Louis. When she was 52 she went back to graduate school to pursue her passion, counseling, and opened her private practice in 1980. She continued to be active as a therapist, and held her license until at least 2017.
Katherine Louise Bronson – retired welder
Katherine Bronson, retired welder and an excellent cook, died peacefully of COVID-19 on May 20, 2020 at aged 96. She was active in her church and was known for being witty and direct.
Katherine is missed by her friends and staff at Ascension Living, her church family, and her extended family.
Joseph C. Budde
WWII veteran Joseph C. Budde died of COVID-19 on December 9, 2020 at the age of 96. Joseph served in the Army Air Corps in WWII flying 35 missions in Europe, including the days leading up to D-Day, followed by another 60 missions in Asia. After the war, he got a degree in electrical engineering from St. Louis University and worked at Sverdrup and Parcel Engineers and Architects for the next 35 years while he and his wife raised their two children. Joseph and his late wife were longtime parishioners at Our Lady of Providence in Crestwood.
Joan Eileen Byrne – retired guidance counselor and pet lover
Joan E. Byrne passed away of COVID-19 on April 18th, 2020 at the age of 87. She spent most of her career to advocating for students in the Parkway School system as a guidance counselor. She found true joy in helping others.
Richard Alan Camden
Richard Camden of Wildwood MO died of complications from COVID-19 on May 12. He was 60 years old and married for almost 31 years. Rick was looking forward to taking his son to Sea Base to scuba dive this summer, if the coronavirus pandemic had passed.
Phillip A. Catanzaro – died suddenly of COVID-19
Phillip Catanzaro died April 26 of COVID-19. After struggling with it for a month, he thought he was doing better and was looking forward to coming home to his wife of 48 years. Instead he went home to God. His family wants to thank the healthcare workers who cared so well for Phillip in his last days and they request that "In lieu of flowers, we request that you do everything you can to fight this horrific COVID virus."
George Lee Chartrand
George Lee Chartrand died from COVID-19 on June 1, 2020 at the age of 90 in a St. Louis nursing home. Lee was a Korean War veteran, having served our country in the Airforce as an airplane mechanic. He retired "early" from McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and began his third career as an antiques dealer and ice-cream shop owner. Lee and his late wife (Jo, whom he was married to for 65 years until her death) loved spending their retirement in their bit paradise, down by Troy Missouri. Lee was a gifted story teller, and would regale his grandchildren with fun memories including his favorites of when he was a race-car driver with his brother. He loved music, taught himself to play piano, and was in his element when entertaining. George Lee Chartrand is missed deeply by his 7 children, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren who he adored. He's also missed by his Masonic brothers and family, his many friends, community, and the many many people whose lives he brightened while he was alive.
Armella “Millie” Katherine Chisholm
Armella "Millie" Chisholm died of COVID-19 on April 14th at Grandview Health Center in Washington MO, sister facility to the elder-care home that she'd worked at many years as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
In her retirement, Millie volunteered with the VFW, attended dances, musicals, family events, and became an avid quilter and crafter (check out her obituary for some pictures of her quilts). She kept a very busy social life, and even when dementia set in, she still enjoyed socializing with other residents and staff.
Edward Wood Cissel, former Head Master of John Burroughs School
Edward Wood Cissel died on June 16th due to complications from Covid-19. He was 99 years old. Although not from St. Louis, Edward Cissell spent 19 years as the headmaster of John Burroughs School from 1967 to 1986, a pivotal time for the school. Edward Wood Cissell is missed by the hundreds of students and coworkers whose lives he touched, his many friends, his four children, grand children, and extended family.
Helen Sydow Clark
Helen S. Clark died November 26 from complications of COVID-19 and congestive heart failure at the age of 82. She graduated from St. Louis City Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1959 and went on to have a long career in nursing, staying involved in the alumni association after retiring. Helen raised her two daughters with her late husband and loved being a grandma. She supported various nonprofits, read voraciously, and played a good game of checkers. Before COVID-19 hit, she was a daily regular at Miss Sheri’s Cafeteria in South County.
Joan M. Clines
Joan M. Clines died from complications of COVID-19 on July 29, 2020. She spent most of her life in Ferguson and was a bus driver for the Ferguson-Florissant school district for almost 50 years. During the summers, she co-managed the pool at January-Wabash Park in Ferguson and taught hundreds of kids how to swim.
Joan Clines is remembered as being full of life, active, and a great friend. She's missed deeply by her adult children, grand children, great grand children, former coworkers, and all the now-grown kids who she ever taught to swim or who were lucky enough to ride her bus.
Victor Allan Cohen
Victor Cohen passed away from COVID-19 at his home on Monday November 23, 2020 at the age of 64 with his daughter at his side. He had been battling lymphoma since late 2018, went into hospice care, and shortly after lost his life to coronavirus. Victor loved hockey and real estate, and brought people together over both. Almost 30 years ago he started The Saturday Hockey League and eventually played year round, every Saturday morning. A skilled player and team leader, he had a way of making everyone feel included and liked. As a highly respected real estate agent, most recently leading the Premier Team with Red Key Realty, Victor was in his element helping countless people find their perfect homes.
Mr. Arthur Lee Coleman
Arthur Lee Coleman contracted COVID-19 at the beginning of May. Although he tested negative before passing of congestive heart failure on May 29, 2020, it is to be assumed that the coronavirus weakened his heart and his body was unable to make a full recovery post-infection. He was 79 years old. Arthur Coleman retired from Wonder Bread after being employed for over 27 years. He was a loving father who loved being a grandpa. Arthur Coleman is missed deeply by his grandson, granddaughter, and daughter. His daughter wrote, " There isn't a day that goes by that my kids and I don't think about my daddy. I love you dad."
Mitch Coleman
Mitch Coleman succumbed to COVID-19 on June 29, 2020 after valiantly fighting it for over a month. He was 58 years old. He was a warmhearted man and brightened any room just by being in it.
His widowed wife submitted this memorial and wrote: "Mitch Coleman was a follower of Jesus, an amazing husband and father of two, a maintenance worker at The School District of Clayton, and all around great guy. He knew no stranger and loved to make people laugh. He had a fabulous smile and was loved by many. He lived in Arnold, MO with his wife, Kim. In May of 2020 he contracted COVID-19 and spent 30 days in ICU on a ventilator and ECMO machine. On June 29, 2020 he lost his fight to this horrible disease that caused so many health complications. He was only 58 years old and he will always be missed by his family and friends."
Richard Lee Constance
Richard Lee Constance died suddenly from complications of COVID-19 on November 23, 2020 at the age of 70. Richard had just retired in June from a 45+ year career as a personal injury attorney. He and his wife of 43 years loved St. Louis City living, loved being six minutes away from The Cardinals and the basketball SLU Billikens home games, and were active in their neighborhood betterment association. Rick also played golf and tennis, and was an active member of the St. Louis Athletic Club. He's remembered as being an irreplaceable friend, doting on his nieces and nephews, his warm friendly smile, and how he lived life to its fullest.
Lula Mae Cooper-Redd
Lula Mae Cooper-Redd died of COVID-19 on April 9 at the age of 87. Her daughter-in-law's mother, Carol Todd, died of COVID the next day on April 10th. Her son and his wife grieved their mothers lost to COVID-19 together, but apart from their church family, extended family, and friends.
Alice “Irene” Cordes
Alice "Irene" Cordes died from complications of COVID-19 on November 8 at the age of 94.
Irene worked as a nurse for almost 60 years, starting off in 1948 preparing to serve in the Nurse Cadet Corps, but WWII ended before she graduated. When she retired, Irene volunteered for Hospice and continued helping others, even after she quit driving at age 90. Her heart and love was most reserved for her five children, who she raised alone after divorcing from a 15 year marriage. Irene is remembered as being a "sunshine lady"; cheerful, resilient, and resourceful.
Earl George Crenshaw – WWII Veteran
Earl Crenshaw, 99, was a fighter in life and tried his best to beat COVID-19 when he caught it at the Meramec Bluffs Assisted Living Center in Ballwin! He passed away peacefully on April 25, 2020.
Jean Lorraine Crocker
Jean Lorraine Crocker died from COVID-19 on July 29. She grew up in St. Louis and lived her last years in Hillsboro Missouri. She retired after working 20 years as a medical administrative assistant for the St. Louis University School of Medicine.Jean loved animals, tracing her genealogy and family tree, and spending time with her grandchildren and extended family. She's remembered as being a sweet caring woman and always having a nice thing to say. Jean Lorraine Crocker is missed deeply by her grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
Francis Ethel Westfall Crumley
Francis Ethel Westfall Crumley of Jerseyville IL died of COVID-19 on November 27, 2020 at the age of 87. She was ill for a little less than three weeks, and it looked like she would pull through and get off the ventilator for a little while, but ultimately her body could not fight off the virus. Francis was married twice, widowed twice and lost two children; despite heartaches, her life was full and she found beauty and love in the everyday and small things. She always made time to comfort, listen to, and care for others. In her younger years, Francis worked as a packer for Olin Corporation in Alton IL, canned her garden's vegetables, cooked mouthwatering dinners, and loved to dance.
Sara J. Crump, EdD
Sara J. Crump died of COVID-19 at the age of 74 on October 21. Sara lived in the St. Charles area and taught 2nd and 3rd grade children at Kratz School in the Ritenour District for 30 years until she retired. She was married over 50 years, and her conservative values were important to her.
Angel Marie Dampier
Angel Marie Dampier died of COVID-19 on June 10, 2020 at the age of 40. She was a direct care worker for over 13 years at South County Habilitation Center in Mehlville MO and leaves behind a young son and husband. Angel is remembered by her friends as being a loving and dedicated mother, and she always had something to smile about.
Anthony Daniel Daus Jr.
Anthony "Tony" Daniel Daus Jr. died from complications of COVID-19 on December 2, 2020 at the age of 85. Tony was born and raised in St. Louis. He grew up in Soulard, attended St. Louis University, married his wife Ann, raised their 5 children, and had a successful 55-year sales career in the aerospace industry. He most loved entertaining, dancing, laughing over good food, and talking about his grandkids.
Donna Davidson
Donna Davidson passed away of COVID-19 on May 17, 2020 at the age of 80. She was a loving mother, grand mother, and great great grandmother. Donna is missed by her two daughters, sisters and brothers, and large extended family.
Clarence Davis Sr
Clarence Davis Sr., a World War II veteran, died from complications of COVID-19 on November 20, 2020 at the age of 97.
During World War II, Clarence served in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Carpenters Mate Second Class; he was among the first Black enlisted men to attain this designation. He was also a Freemason, a Boy Scout Leader, and an active member of the VFW. After WWII, Clarence worked a variety of jobs before retiring from the Records Management Department at Monsanto. He always loved carpentry, and was known and respected for his skill across St. Louis City and County. Clarence also loved gardening (especially roses), watching baseball, bowling, and keeping active with church activities (St. Johns Church). He was a devoted husband and father, and contributed to the development of countless children and teenagers in the community.
Euda E. “Pete” Dean, PhD
Euda E. "Pete" Dean died of COVID-19 on August 4th. A former math professor, he had suffered dementia for several years. In retirement, he and his late wife moved from Texas to St. Louis to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Michael Derryberry
Michael Derryberry passed away April 17 of COVID-19 at the age of 68.Michael is missed deeply by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and his many friends and acquaintances.
St. Louis City’s first known person to die of COVID-19: Jazmond Dixon
Jazmond Dixon died of COVID-19 on March 22, 2020 at only 31 years old.Dixon earned her Masters in Business Administration from Lindenwood after graduating from Harris-Stowe University, and worked for the American Red Cross where she managed the computerized maintenance management system. She dreamed of starting a baking business.
John H. “Jack” Doerr
John ("Jack") Doerr of Kirkwood died after a brief battle with COVID-19 on November 27, 2020 at the age of 83. After serving in the Army as a cook, Jack met his wife at a VW rally in Webster Groves and they raised their two daughters in Kirkwood. Jack worked as a self employed general contractor until he retired, and was living at Friendship Village Sunset Hills for the last few years of his life.
La Leche member, new parent and breast feeding advocate Ethel Ann Doskocil
Ethel Ann Doskocil died of COVID-19 April 2, 2020. She was a St. Louis native who lived here her whole 87 years. She was an advocate for breast feeding and fathers in the delivery room. She's greatly missed by her husband of 66 years and her entire family.
Aaron S. Dubin
Aaron S. Dubin of O'Fallon MO died from complications of COVID-19 and Frontotemporal Dementia on December 30, 2020 at the age of 63. He had previously been a Master chess player and a named partner in the law firm of Frankel, Rubin, Klein, Dubin, Siegel, and Payne.
Julia E. Dye
As written: "My mother’s name is Julia E. Dye, she was 86 years old. She transitioned from this life [from COVID-19] on July 15, 2020. My mother was an inspiration to all who knew her, born in Missouri, she dedicated her life to her family & friends. During some of the toughest times in her life she never was found with a frown or complaint, she always radiated a beautiful smile. Mother to five children she raised us to be strong, independent and hard working individuals. She was affectionately known as Lady Dye, a woman of class and grace, her faith in God enabled her to make it through this obstacle course called life. God honored her countless acts of kindness and labor of love towards His people and strangers alike. Our hearts are heavy, yet, we have thank God she is at rest.
Penned,
Your baby girl: Kimberly"
Alvin George Edgell – Humanitarian, WWII & Korean War veteran
Alvin George Edgell was enjoying his golden years in health at Alexian Brothers Landsdowne Village close to his family when he was struck with COVID-19, over 6 weeks after the nursing home locked down to visitors in an effort to prevent coronavirus. Still very mentally sharp, he was using email to communicate until his last days. Al died on May 4th at the age of 96 with his son, a doctor at the hospital, by his side.
Father James T. Edwards, retired parish pastor and noted musician
Fr. James T. Edwards died on May 13, 2020 from complications of COVID-19 and other health issues at the age of 69. He was born in and spent most of his life in St. Louis. Fr. Edwards is missed by his immediate family, his colleagues, and the many many lives he touched during his 30+ years of service.
Richard “Ike” Eichenberger
Richard "Ike" Eichenberger died from complications of COVID-19 on December 23, 2020 at the age of 76. Ike had a lifelong career in music, and served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War as Acting Commander of the American Division Band in Chu Lai, South Vietnam. He was a music educator for over forty years in Orchard Farm, St. Charles, and Ferguson-Florissant school districts and at Fontbonne College, Lindenwood University and Meramec Community College. Ike was a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, performer, mentor and teacher throughout his life. He and his first wife Mary were an amazing musical team. They had no children and welcomed their students into their hearts and home. Mary passed away, and in 2017 Ike remarried and was immediately loved by his wife's adult children and grandchildren.
Thomas Eise
Thomas Eise of St. Ann, MO died of COVID-19 on November 12, 2020 at the age of 67. He went in for a knee replacement, developed cellulitis, and then coronavirus. He supported the shutdowns to flatten the curve, socially distanced, wore a mask... and despite taking every precaution, he still caught COVID-19.
He wrote an incredibly moving poem about COVID-19 in April... read further...
Robert Elsperman – Former Tarlton President
On March 30, Robert "Rob" Elsperman, the former Tarlton Corp president, was admitted to a St. Louis-area hospital with COVID-like symptoms. He died of complications from COVID-19 eight days later on April 7. He's remembered for leading through example and having genuine respect for the tradespeople in the field who actually do the work.
William Bill England
William "Bill" England died from complications of COVID-19 while suffering from Alzheimer's on December 29, 2020 at the age of 82. After serving in the military, Bill was a graphic designer who worked for Maritz Motivation, Koplar Communication, and retired from Argosy Gaming.
James Edward “Jimmy” Evans
James Edward "Jimmy" Evans died on April 6 of COVID-19 at the age of 82. He fell ill with coronavirus while at Frontier Health and Rehabilitation in St. Charles, MO and within a few days was rushed to the hospital where he died alone and confused. He had Parkinson's and Alzheimer's but he could still recognize his brother when they chatted one last time on a phone-video call.
Dianne D. Fahr
Dianne Dolores Fahr of St.Charles MO, died from complications of COVID-19 on August 5th, 2020. She had a relentlessly positive spirit, and even after her memories and mind started to fade from the ravages of dementia in her last decade, she still saw the beauty and good in everyone. Dianne was saying "I love you" until the very end.
George Michael Flotte – COVID-19 took away a loving father, husband, and attorney
George Michael Flotte died of COVID-19 on May 22, 2020 at age 78 after struggling for a month to beat the virus. He was an attorney who lived his Catholic values and was never at a loss for what to say. "I love everybody” were some of his final words. Most of all, George loved being a great father. George's social circle was wide and he had may lifelong friends. He is greatly missed by his wife, two adult children, extended family and many friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched.
Cheldron “Marty” Fox
Cheldron "Marty" Fox, a WWII Army Veteran who participated in Day 3 of the Normandy Invasion, died from COVID-19 on June 20, 2020 at the age of 100. He'd enjoyed swing dancing, golf, and kept active well into his 90s. He was loved for his quick smile and kind heart.
William “Bill” French
William "Bill" French lost his fight with COVID-19 on December 20, 2020 at the age of 77. In 1977 Bill founded Wm French Buyers Real Estate Services, Inc., a comprehensive relocation service that focused solely on the buyers’ interests with a relocation plan tailored specifically to their needs. It was, at the time, the first and only buyers-only model agency in the country, and grew to be the largest. Bill worked tirelessly to grow the business as he and his wife raised their two sons. He was a passionate advocate and volunteer for the Independence Center, served on the Board of Directors for 8 years, and never missed an opportunity to assist in furthering the organization's mission to holistically help those with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Marian C. Gates
As written: "Marian Constance Gates of Bridgeton MO died of COVID-19 on August 31, 2020 at the age of 96 in the hospital (DePaul) after three days of attempts to conquer her dreaded virus failed. She was a long time nursing home resident where she contracted this dreaded virus. Even though her short term memory began to fail, her long term memory never wavered one bit. No longer will additional wealth of her first hand family history can be shared with the rest of the family. COVID restrictions imposed on family and friend visitors were difficult on all because they prevented both from being with her at the nursing home and hospital during her final days. She was buried next to her beloved husband of many years, Curtis Gates, Sr. Our 96 year old family matriarch will be greatly missed."
Ruth Kathryn Mathews Gay
Ruth Kathryn Mathews Gay passed from complications of COVID-19 on April 17, 2020 at the age of 74 while at Life Care Nursing Facility. One of her daughters was allowed to be visit while wearing protective gear. Her family sent the memorial below:
Rose Beatrice “Bea” Gillooly
Rose Beatrice “Bea” Gillooly of Ferguson MO died of Covid-19 on November 18, 2020 at the age of 98. She suffered from dementia the past few years, but she still knew and loved her family. Bea was a fascinating woman ahead of her time and progressive in many ways, a lifelong learner, world traveler, stock market investor, volunteer, and obsessed with politics.
Her family's statement reads: "Many of her children would have been with her in the end if she hadn’t been isolated in a Covid 19 ward for her last two weeks. We hold the Trump administration directly responsible for robbing us of the opportunity of saying goodbye to our mother."
Reginald Gladney
Reginald Gladney died July 30, 2020 of COVID-19. He was 56 years old. Reginald served in the United States Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force for 21 years and retired a decorated veteran. After military retirement, he went onto a second career, working for in civil process as a St. Louis County Sheriff's Deputy for 11 years and security for 17+ years with the St. Louis Blues Association. More than his impressive career, Reginald was a mentor, friend, and father. He loved life, his family, and truly saw the beauty in other people. He took his joy from helping make life a little better for those blessed to know or even casually encounter him.
Reginald Gladney is missed deeply by his three children, close-knit family, and the entire St. Louis region where he inspired and moved too many people to count.
Dorothy Marie Wolff Goebel
Dorothy Marie Wolff Goebel died of COVID-19 on May 21, 2020 at Riverside Rehab and Healthcare in Alton IL. She was 92. Dorothy lived most of her life in Prairietown (unincorporated Madison County) where she and her husband farmed until his death.
Dorothy loved gardening, birds, animals, entertaining, and cooking for guests. Her family visited her regularly until the nursing homes shut down due to COVID-19. Dorothy is missed deeply by her daughter, four grandsons, and large extended family.
Joan Blase Goodson, St. Louis arts and culture philanthropist
Joan Blase Goodson, a philanthropist and founding board member of the Contemporary Art Museum, died at on May 9 of complications from COVID-19 at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center (MOBap) at 94 years old.
Joan Blase Goodson is missed by her nieces, godchildren, her many friends, and the entire St. Louis arts community.
William Edward ‘Ed’ Gorman
William Edward “Ed” Gorman died from complications of COVID-19 on September 10, 2020 at the age of 91. He caught the virus while he was resident at White Hall Nursing and Rehab Center in White Hall, Illinois. Ed served with the US Army in the Korean War and afterwards worked as a plumber for the University of Delaware for 26 years. He and his wife moved to Brighton Illinois in 2011 to be closer to family. They had just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary when COVID-19 took his life.
Gladys Gosslar
Gladys I Gosslar (nee Felgenhauer) lost her battle with COVID-19 on August 15, 2020. She was 90 years old. Her son was able to be with her when she left this earth. Gladys was retired from Lutheran Hour Ministries. She's missed deeply by her family and friends.
Juanita Eason Graham, former Webster Groves preschool teacher
Juanita Eason Graham died of COVID-19 on March 28. She was 55 years old. Juniata Graham is missed deeply by her husband of 18 years, her mother, her family, everyone that she worked with, and the former preschoolers who she introduced to school for the first time. Juniata's husband wishes people to take social distancing and all the precautions seriously, because COVID-19 is not a joke.
Frank Frederick Graser
Frank Frederick Graser of Bethalto IL died of COVID-19 on December 9, 2020 at the age of 90. Frank served in the US Navy from 1947 to 1951. When he got discharged he married (his beloved wife passed in 2002), raised his two sons, and worked for McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) starting as an A&P Mechanic for 30 years. Frank had a huge variety of interests and was involved in many activities, causes, and organizations throughout his life. He coached Little League Baseball, was a Scout Master, a member of the Bunker Hill Knife Club, Mississippi Garden Club, the Illinois Chapter of the National Audubon Society, and a regular volunteer at the Two Rivers Wildlife Refuge. He was also an active member in the Bethalto United Methodist Church and in retirement enjoyed Monday morning coffee with his "knife brothers". Frank was proud of his boys and loved being a grandpa.
Dr. Gaye Griffin-Snyder
Dr. Gaye Griffin-Snyder died of COVID-19 on June 6, 2020. She was a professional counselor in St. Louis County and worked as an adjunct graduate professor at Missouri State. She helped out countless people through their struggles with mental health and emotional issues. Her daughter Angela wrote "She died with strangers and couldn’t respond to me in any way when I got to say goodbye via video conference. It haunts me constantly."
Greunetta (G.G.) Groce
Greunetta (G.G) Groce passed of COVID-19 on May 1, 2020 at the age of 78 in a nursing home. She was a retired CNA and interior decorator. Her son wrote: "She was born April 26, 1942 to Bernice Randle Pow and George Wilson Groce Sr. In East St. Louis Ill. She was a small business owner, a nurse, and interior decorator. She was loved by many. She is survived by one son and one daughter and one granddaughter and a host a family and friends."
Dr. Nelly Grosswasser
Nelly Grosswasser, Ph.D., a professor emerita of Russian literature and the founder of the Russian program at Saint Louis University, died of COVID-19 on Dec. 16, 2020 at the age of 95. She was described as being feisty and a "true force of nature". Like the Russian literature she taught, Nelly's life story involved romance, war, and spanned continents. She was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, USSR and moved with her brother to avoid the Nazis during World War II. She met her (late) husband Sol (who had just been released from a labor camp) while in Kazakhstan. They escaped to Germany after the war, eventually immigrating to the USA with their young son in 1949. Although she had a BA in engineering, Dr. Grosswasser's true calling was education, in which she earned an MA and PhD from Washington University. Her impressive career accomplishments are detailed beautifully in the sources below, but what she was probably most noted for was being St. Louis University’s first full-time Russian language teacher, remaining at the university for 47 years. Nelly mentored thousands of students, was voted most popular teacher at SLU numerous times, won many teaching awards, and continued to support students of Russian language long after retiring.
Margaret Pauley “Peggy” Gundlach
Margaret Pauley "Peggy" Gundlach died on April 12, 2020 after being diagnosed with lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, and COVID-19. Margaret is missed by her husband of 67 years, her adult children, her grandchildren, and the many friends she made.
Lamont Hadley Sr.
Lamont Hadley Sr died of COVID-19 on August 21, 2020. St. Louis lost an inspiration, treasured voice, and musical legend who still had songs left to sing. Undoubtedly, others will discover his music now and in the future, and wish that they had the pleasure of seeing him perform while he was alive and wish he'd lived longer to make more music.
Dr. Fred Phillip Handler, committed husband, devoted father, epic storyteller
Dr. Fred Phillip Handler died of coronavirus complications on April 20, 2020 at the age of 95. He had lived a long and love filled life. The son of immigrants, his parents placed a high value on education and his mother made sure that her children attended college and graduate school. Dr. Handler is loved and missed by his adult children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all the friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched over the years.
Charles Leroy Harper
Charles Harper of Perryville, MO died at Barnes Jewish Hospital of COVID-19 at the age of 81 on February 13, 2021. Charles was a veteran having served in the Illinois National Guard, and married three times. He is remembered as being a "rolling stone" and "restless soul". He had many careers and adventures, most notably in the mining industry working as far away as Columbia South America. He gained his Commercial Drivers License at the age when most people are retired (at age 69) and worked as an over-the-road truck-driver which he only stopped doing because he became incapacted with COVID-19.