Derriel Vanskike

Derriel Gray Vanskike (nee Carter), 82, passed away May 1, 2020. Beloved wife and best friend of Howard (Bud) Vanskike of nearly 60 years, dear sister of Tom (Carolyn) Carter, Jerriel Carter Varner (Darrell), Ken (Deb) Carter, sister-in-law of Gloria Campione (Gene), aunt, cousin, and friend.

She was born to Eldon and Florie Carter in Detroit, Alabama then moved to Bragg City, Missouri during grade school and spent her youth picking cotton on her family’s farm on Section 16 , attending church, and friending neighbors. She moved to St. Louis, Missouri after graduating Bragg City High School in 1957.

Derriel (Van) was a St. Louis Public Schools retiree. She and Bud joined the Gardenville-Affton American Legion-Unit 300 where they volunteered, she served as Women’s Auxiliary President, and became lifetime members. They enjoyed traveling the United States, many islands, and a special 50th Anniversary Panama Canal cruise.

Derriel sent thousands of greeting cards through the years and made just as many calls serving as an information center for addresses and life events for family, friends, and former classmates.  She had a giving heart and genuinely cared about others. Derriel helped plan several Bragg City High School reunions held in Kennett, MO, working tirelessly to keep her former classmates connected. She and Bud attended swim aerobic classes several days each week with their YMCA friends, lunches with Chrysler retirees and friends, and treasured time with family.

A Jefferson Baracks ceremony will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. The family is being served by Ziegenhein and Sons Funeral Home in St. Louis, MO.