Myra Stuetzer

Myra Colleen Stuetzer, 93, of St. Louis MO, passed away peacefully in her home on April 16, 2019. Her family is thankful for her doctors, medical professionals and VITAS hospice care staff who made her final days as comfortable as possible. Myra, better known by her family and friends as Colleen, was known by all who loved her as a beautiful, elegant, intelligent woman with a vibrant personality and zest for life. She was an avid reader and a people-person who never met a stranger. Colleen was generous and supported many charities. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a wonderful memory which she never lost. She was very proud that at the age of 92, she drove herself to renew her driver's license and passed! Colleen was born on April 29th, 1925, the only child of Henry Edward Routt and Carrie Thelma (Druen) Routt, in Hodgenville, Kentucky. The family moved to St. Louis, MO when Colleen was a young child. She attended Rose Fanning Elementary School and graduated from Roosevelt High School. She was baptized at Jewel Baptist Church when she was a teenager. Colleen loved to go camping, fishing, and visiting family in Kentucky with her parents who affectionately called her "Jackie" because she was as energetic as a jack rabbit. Following high school she worked during World War II as a secretary in an insurance office. Colleen met Louis Edward Stuetzer who grew up in the same neighborhood, and they married on March 12, 1946 after his return from service in World War II. Colleen left the workforce to tend to the home and raise their three children while Louis supported the family as the custom meat cutter at Stuetzer's Market, and in later years, as a caterer for large events in the community. Colleen often helped Louis in his catering business. Colleen began a professional banking career at the age of 47 to add to the family finances which would ensure the children could go to college. She started as a teller at Tower Grove Bank and progressed quickly to the Administrative Assistant to the bank president and ultimately became a Vice President. During those years, she earned an Associate's Degree and was most proud she excelled in her statistics class. After retirement, she worked part-time for the IRS helpline. Despite Colleen's professional accomplishments, her family was always her first priority. In order to maintain and strengthen relationships with her military children and grandchildren, Colleen became a world traveler. These travels included trips to Germany, South Korea, Norway, Hawaii and many other states. Colleen faithfully remembered every family member with cards, notes and gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Even after going on hospice, she prepared and sent Easter cards to her 20 great-grandchildren. Her sacrificial service to her family and friends was a model for all to emulate. Colleen's faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior, influenced her family her whole life. She taught by her words and actions. Colleen taught her children at an early age about Jesus and provided opportunities for growth in their faith by taking them to church. They were active members of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church while the children were growing up. Colleen sang in the choir with her beautiful soprano voice and was active in her women's circle. After the death of Louis in 1982, Colleen returned to her Baptist roots and was a member of Third Baptist Church for 32 years. She played the piano and gave the devotionals for her Sunday School Class. As Colleen's health declined, she joined Concord Trinity United Methodist Church which she attended the last 5 years with her daughter and son-in-law. Her enduring faith, love and service to those around her are her legacy to every family member. Proverbs 31:28 describes her perfectly: "Her children rise up and call her blessed..." Colleen's family has the utmost assurance that she is celebrating Easter with Jesus this year, and they are mourning in peace and triumphal assurance that they will be reunited. Until that time, her loved ones will miss her dearly. Colleen is survived by her children Donna (Gene) Maggard; Diane (Fred) Nichols; Thomas (Rosalie) Stuetzer; her grandchildren Carrie (Todd) Hessel; Melissa (Jason) Dunscombe; James (Kate) Nichols; Matthew (Marenique) Nichols; Katharine (Chase) Grandstaff; Rachel Pelphrey; Rebecca (Andrew) Lambert; Rhianna (Sean) Juge; and Renee (Stephen) Sarakas; and her great-grandchildren.: Cora, Lydia, Caroline, Luke, Whitney, Asher, Jayden James, Eden, Aria, Matzen, Samuel, Oslo, Roman, Jordan, Jayden Rose, Jett, Amelia, Clara, Eliza Jane and Theo. Colleen is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorials may be made to: Concord Trinity United Methodist Church, American Heart Association or American Cancer Society. SERVICES: Visitation and Funeral Service for Colleen will be held at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Homes (South County Chapel), 4830 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO (63129) Phone 314-894-8444 on Thursday, April 25th. Visitation from 10:00 am- 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Committal Service Thursday: 12:45 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125 . Thursday, April 25, 2019
10:00 am - 11:30 am
John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Homes
4830 Lemay Ferry Road St. Louis, Mo. 63129
Thursday, April 25, 2019
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Homes
4830 Lemay Ferry Road St. Louis, Mo. 63129