Argyle Schroeck

Argyle Marie "Jill" Strentzsch Schroeck, a beloved healer, teacher, and counselor to many, passed away on December 9, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 90 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on January 25, 1934, in Springfield, Missouri, she was the eldest child of Pearl Marie Ellis Strentzsch and Alfred Ivan Strentzsch, Sr., and the cherished older sister of Alfred Ivan Strentzsch, Jr.

Argyle’s early years were marked by her close bond with her brother and her fond memories of summers spent with her grandmother, Stella Ellis. The family eventually moved to St. Louis where her father opened Gravois Drug. Argyle excelled academically and athletically during high school, graduating as valedictorian of Bayless High School in 1953 after serving as class president during her junior year. Here she met her future husband, Thoren Schroeck, when their last names placed them next to each other in class.

Argyle attended the University of Missouri where she joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority and earned a degree in education in 1957. Shortly after graduation, she married Thoren and began a life filled with love and adventure. The couple first settled in Lawton, Oklahoma, where Thoren was stationed at Fort Sill. During this time, Argyle taught at an on-base elementary school and joyfully prepared for the arrival of their first daughter, Karen.

After fulfilling Thoren’s ROTC obligation, the family returned to St. Louis where Argyle continued teaching while Thoren pursued a career in advertising. Their family grew with the birth of their second daughter, Kristin, in 1963. Thoren’s career later took them to Chicago and New York before they eventually returned home to St. Louis—a move that brought them closer to extended family.

Argyle’s innate compassion led her to become deeply involved with Al-Anon upon returning to St. Louis. This work inspired her to volunteer at the Greater Saint Louis Council on Alcoholism and serve as a counselor for Mercy’s Highland Behavioral Center’s AfterCare program. For 25 years, she provided individual and group counseling for families affected by alcoholism and addiction—leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

Her life was defined by selflessness and generosity. Whether it was offering a listening ear or comforting a child who instinctively sought her warmth at social gatherings, Argyle had an extraordinary ability to make others feel valued and empowered. She cared tirelessly for aging relatives while balancing work and community involvement. Her medical knowledge coupled with emotional resilience made her an anchor for those around her.

Argyle found joy in simple pleasures like playing bridge with friends from her Tri-Delt sorority or tending to vibrant flower boxes on her balcony—always recognizable by their cheerful blooms. She was active with the Kirkwood Garden Club and deeply engaged at Trinity Lutheran Church Chesterfield after being baptized there later in life. Her Christ Care Group became a source of spiritual growth and fellowship that enriched her golden years.

As a grandmother, Argyle poured herself into nurturing Jessica Tipps, Molly Tipps, and Kristin McCallum with unconditional love and support that endured well into their adulthood. Even as she downsized later in life—moving first near Woodsmill and Clayton Roads before settling near Grant’s Farm—she maintained meaningful connections with neighbors like Julia and Julia's children Judah and Naomi who affectionately called her “Miss Jill.” These relationships brought immense joy during her final chapter.

Argyle will be remembered for her remarkable memory for details about loved ones’ lives—never missing a birthday—and for always speaking kindly about others. Her unwavering kindness extended not only to family but also friends, colleagues, and even strangers who crossed her path.

A celebration of life service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church Chesterfield on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Visitation begins at 9:00 AM followed by a worship service at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Argyle leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew her—her daughters and sons-in-law Karen and Bill McCallum, and Kristin and Tony Tipps; granddaughters and spouses Jessica Tipps, Molly and Mario Dorado, and Kristin and Tyler Williams; nephews Kurt and Grant Schroeck and Scott Strentzsch, niece Cindy Leffingwell; lifelong friends from church/sorority & Highland Center networked communities alike!