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 — 

St. Louis covid memorial online

Overview of COVID-19 obituaries posted in the St. Louis Metro region

I drafted this as a formal research paper about the data that I’ve collected here on StLouisCovidMemorial.com and my general processes. I’ve put this project temporarily on pause (except for user submitted memorials) because of the mental health issues I was having pouring over obituaries and trying to memorialize the human side of local St. Louis lives lost to COVID-19. It was incredibly depressing, but I have no regrets! I would welcome further collaborations and mentorship, and if there is a chance that I could edit and submit this somewhere more official. I could easily have elaborated further on the discussion points at the end, in particular the grief multiplier and racial and socioeconomic disparities.

Tyrone McDonald COVID-19 death

Tyrone “Squeaky” McDonald

As written: “Tyrone McDonald, age 59 years old born October 23, 1960 died August 12, 2020 at Barnes Hospital from Covid19. He was my 81 year old mother’s caretaker. We all loved him and misses him tremendously. He was a great son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Even though he was a quiet natured person, everyone looked to him for answers. My mom still wishes that he would walk through the front door. He will forever be in our hearts and memories.”

St. Louis COVID-19 deaths

James Allen Shupe

James (Jim) Allen Shupe died of COVID-19 and sepsis on January 14, 2021 at St. Louis Mercy Hospital at the age of 79. Jim spent many happy years after his retirement from Seven Up fishing on his dream house’s lake in Cedar Valley.

William Bill England COVID-19 death St. Louis

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.

Ike Eichenberger COVID-19

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.

COVID-19 veteran death

Jerry Mooneyham

Jerry Mooneyham died at Missouri Baptist Hospital on January 9, 2021 from complications from COVID-19 at the age of 86. He married his highschool sweetheart and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on board the USS Mount McKinley.

St. Louis COVID-19 death Carolyn Purzner

Carolyn F. Purzner

Carolyn Frances Purzner, formerly of Washington MO, died from complications of COVID-19 on January 14, 2021, in St. Louis at the age of 82. Carolyn had no children of her own, and poured her love into her vocation as an Registered Nurse. She was a graduate of Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1959 and worked in St. Louis and then Dallas for many years. She moved back to St. Louis to care for her older siblings who were experiencing health problems. She’s remembered as being “the favorite aunt” and was always a nonjudgmental listening ear to vent to or for good advice.

Following a long struggle with severe dementia, Patricia Venzke died of COVID-19 on January 11, 2021 at the age of 85.

Patricia Anne (Lierman) Venzke

Following a long struggle with severe dementia, Patricia Venzke died of COVID-19 on January 11, 2021 at the age of 85.  Sources: Patricia Ann Lierman Venzke obituary at St. Louis Cremation 

Shirley A. McCalley

Shirley A. McCalley died from complications of COVID-19 at Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon at the age of 86 on January 15, 2021. Sources: Shirley A. McCalley obituary at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home 
Dr. Edward P. Rose

Dr. Edward P. Rose

Dr. Edward P. Rose died of COVID-19 on September 20, 2020 at the age of 74. He was a practicing rheumatologist in Belleville IL until contracting coronavirus, refusing to abandon his patients even though retirement was suggested in March. A polio survivor, Ed devoted his life to his family, science, and service. Ed is remembered as being quiet and unwaveringly stable, although he loved a noisy home with children running around playing. He loved hosting raucous dinner parties with plenty of wine and comfort food, passionate disagreements, laughter, and story-telling. Ed taught his kids to play chess, water ski, follow through on commitments and the values of philanthropy, travel, and enjoying simple pleasures. Dr. Edward P. Rose is deeply missed by his wife of 47 years, 7 kids, 20 grandchildren, extended family, the many friends he made in life, and his patients.
Richard Samuel Rosenthal

Richard Samuel Rosenthal

Richard S. Rosenthal died of COVID-19 on August 4, 2020 at the age of 86. Richard was a lifelong learner, loved golfing, and was an active father and constant presence at his daughters' sporting events. He mentored in the Saint Louis Public School System and supported various civic causes (among other organizations, he was a past President of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and also a member of the Saint Louis University Bequest and Gift Council and the Saint Louis Art Museum Foundation.). Although Alzheimer's had started to rob his mind, Richard accepted the disease with a cheerful manor. He had regular visitors up until the nursing homes shut down in March due to COVID-19 precautions, and still recognized his wife of 57 years and good friends.
Maureen Dale Rudman

Maureen Dale Rudman

Maureen Dale "Momo" Rudman died of complications from COVID-19 on April 26 at the age of 79. She had a "larger than life" flare for living and beautiful things, and saw the true beauty in everyone she met. She believed first and foremost that all people are beautiful and she truly lived this. Maureen was eclectic, authentic, and the life of any gathering she attended.
James “Chick” Henry Rufkahr

James “Chick” Henry Rufkahr

James Rufkahr, a WWII veteran, died on June 1 from COVID-19 at the age of 94 in St. Charles. After serving our country in the US Army in World War II, James worked at Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood for 30 years while he raised his family. After retiring, James worked as a bus driver and handyman for another 17 years. He volunteered with his church and delivered for Meals on Wheels.
Audrey “Yasmine” Ruiz-Smith

Audrey “Yasmine” Ruiz-Smith

Audrey "Yasmine" Ruiz-Smith died of Covid-19 on April 7, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Audrey was a member of the St. Louis Japanese Society and the Dances of Universal Peace. She was a creative, vibrant, woman who was passionate about social justice causes and improving the lives of everyone. Audrey made a lot of friends in life and touched countless more through her art and activism. . Audrey "Yasmine" Ruiz-Smith is missed deeply by her daughters Taylor and Sally, by her shih-tzu, and by her large circle of friends and fans.
Paul Rusnack M.D.

Paul Rusnack M.D.

Paul Rusnack MD, a retired clinical pathologist, died of COVID-19 related pneumonia at the age of 87 on August 3, 2020 at Belleville Memorial Hospital in Belleville Illinois. After completion of his four-year pathology residency program at Saint Louis University, Paul served as Director of the 5th Army Medical Laboratory in St. Louis, MO. He worked as a certified clinical pathologist at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, IL, for 22 years until he retired in 1988. Paul Rusnack is missed deeply by his wife of 61 years, his children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Ruth Sandler

Ruth Sandler

Ruth Sandler died of COVID-19 on August 27, 2020 at the age of 94. Ruth was a dedicated wife to her late husband, and a wonderful loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a kind and sweet friend and was always there when you needed some help. Ruth Sandler is missed by her family, extended family, and friends.
Brenda Susan Schaeg

Brenda Susan Schaeg

Brenda Susan Schaeg (nee St. Onge) died of COVID-19 on April 28. She worked as a receptionist at Bethesda Meadow Skilled Nursing Facility in Ellisville, MO. She was known for making extra time to visit with the residents, considered them her friends, and often socialized with them when she was not on the clock. Her coworkers looked forward to coming to work on the shifts that Brenda was scheduled.
LaVerne Annette Schlinkmann

LaVerne Annette Schlinkmann

LaVerne A. Schlinkmann died on November 8, 2020 from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 99. LaVerne was born and raised in St. Louis, and worked as a secretary for the old National Screen Co. and then for many years at Monsanto while she and her late husband raised their two sons. Her favorite things in life were her family and church, with music a close third. LaVerne was a lifelong member of St. Paul United Church of Christ on Giles Avenue where she sang in the choir and played in the bell choir, and also kept active with the Phi Beta sorority, the local Toastmistress Club, and as a volunteer usher for the Fox Theatre. In her later years LaVerne moved into BJC Extended Care in Clayton, where she kept her mind and body sharp by making friends with the other residents and playing piano to the joy of everyone! Her formative youth being shaped by The Great Depression and as a young adult during World War II, LaVerne was known for her optimism and courage against odds and for her kindness and sweet nature.
Carl Phillip Schmidt

Carl Phillip Schmidt

Carl P. Schmidt of Saint Louis, MO passed away December 28, 2020 at the age of 91 following complications from COVID-19. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, but he didn't go overseas.
Margaret Schmidt, worked in the family business

Margaret Schmidt, worked in the family business

Margaret A. Schmidt died of COVID-19 on May 27 at Nazareth Living Center. She was 87 years old. In 2002, she retired from the family business, Schmidt Equipment and Supply Inc., where she'd worked as a book keeper and secretary. She was known for making amazing fruit cakes and enjoying Manhattans and card games.
Jerome D. Schneider

Jerome D. Schneider

Jerome D. Schneider died of complications from COVID-19 on June 26, 2020 at the age of 93. He was a twice widowed former accountant who, even though the ravages of Alzheimers, still enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra and eating cheese blintzes.
Monsignor Nicholas Aloys Schneider – compassionate pastor, author, and liturgist

Monsignor Nicholas Aloys Schneider – compassionate pastor, author, and liturgist

Monsignor Nicholas Aloys Schneider passed away of complications from COVID-19 on May 5, 2020. He was 89 years old. Throughout his 60+ years of service to the St. Louis Catholic ArchDiocese, he served as a pastor, prison chaplain, was involved with a priest-rabbi dialogue group, and helped countless people in the St. Louis Metro. Monsignor Schneider authored numerous books and articles, and remained active helping others until he could no longer.
Daniel Edward Schroeder

Daniel Edward Schroeder

Daniel Edward Schroeder of Ballwin MO died of COVID-19 on December 10, 2020 at the age of 61. Dan found true joy and happiness in being the most amazing father to his three girls and husband to his wife of 37 years. He worked tirelessly to provide for them, and was looking forward to retiring from Davis Tool and Die in 2021 to spend even more time with his beloved family (including his first newborn grandson). Dan enjoyed fishing, watching ball games, playing almost any game, bowling, backyard gardening, and the outdoors in general. He was always there to lend a hand, listen, and quietly make things better behind the scenes in his quiet solid way. He never missed even the smallest milestone or event with his daughters, no matter how insignificant. As his obituary put it, "Dan Schroeder was not a man of many words, but he was a man full of love."
Richard E. Schweigler

Richard E. Schweigler

Richard Schweigler died of COVID-19 on November 16, 2020 at the age of 86 alone except for the hospital chaplain at his side. Richard was born and raised in St. Louis and retired after 35 years as a civil engineer for the Missouri Highway Department; but his true passion was hockey and sports. He worked St. Louis Blues games as an off-ice official since the team's inception in 1967 until 1994, most of that time as a goal judge. He also played hockey himself, coached and refereed. Richard also played minor league baseball, coached baseball and umpired men's softball.
Evelyn Charlotte Slater

Evelyn Charlotte Slater

Evelyn Slater of Washington MO passed away of COVID-19 on April 15, 2020. Evelyn was a kind, nurturing woman. Besides taking excellent care of her husband (who preceded her in 2009) and family, she worked for many years as a nurse's aid. Evelyn died a few days after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Reverend Carl S. Smith, pastor of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church and 1st vice president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition

Reverend Carl S. Smith, pastor of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church and 1st vice president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition

Reverend Carl S. Smith, pastor of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church and 1st vice president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition passed away on April 9 of COVID-19. He was 64 years old. He and the love of his life Geraldine would have celebrated 37 years of marriage on June 11.
Mary Smith

Mary Smith

Mary Smith, a special education teacher, died from complications of COVID-19 on December 8, 2020 at the age of 49. She taught for 21 years with the Special School District of St. Louis County, most recently teaching first graders at Fairview Elementary in Jennings. According to KSDK's reporting, "Smith lived with her mother and was her primary caregiver. The week of Thanksgiving, Smith's mother contracted COVID-19 and died a short time later...". The seven students that Mary taught were individually notified, and staff at Fairview held a "therapy session" after the news broke. Counselors are available for students and staff to help them deal with this loss. Mary Smith was much loved by all those who knew her, and special education was her true calling in life. She is deeply missed by all her former students, children of all ages who she helped out in life, her coworkers, and her family.
Melvin Solomon

Melvin Solomon

Melvin Solomon died from complications of COVID-19 on May 14 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville IL. At 90 years old, he was a WWII veteran and had earned the World War II Victory Medal for his service. After the war, he and his wife Phyllis raised their family, while Melvin worked 30 years at the United States Post Office serving as a letter carrier (ultimately working his way up to supervisor). He also moonlighted as a taxi cab driver, and had lots of stories to tell from doing that! Melvin Solomon is remembered as a kind and generous friend and as a loving father and grandpa. He's missed by his family and every one who knew him every day.
Anita LaKay Sprankle

Anita LaKay Sprankle

Anita LaKay Sprankle, of French Village in St. Francois County died of COVID-19 on May 5th, 2020 at Eden Village Retirement Center in Glen Carbon, Illinois. She's missed by her two sons, daughter, grandchildren, and those who knew her. Her family really hopes that we find a cure for COVID-19 and supports The McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University.
Educator, mother, and caregiver: Lisa Ann (Plamp)  Steelman

Educator, mother, and caregiver: Lisa Ann (Plamp) Steelman

Lisa Ann Steelman was an elementary paraprofessional, caregiver, and mother who leaves behind a loving husband and an autistic son. She died of COVID-19 on April 11, 2020 at age 56.
Danny Harold Stephens

Danny Harold Stephens

Danny Stephens of Bridgeton, MO lost his fight with COVID-19 on April 24, 2020. He was 70 years old. Danny was passionate about helping people, and got his Masters degree from UMSL He worked at the Missouri State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for 35 years as he raised his family.
Raymond E. Stoltz

Raymond E. Stoltz

Raymond Stoltz passed away at Laclede Groves Assisted Living from Covid-19 complications on January 23, 2021 at the age of 89. Ray was a Korean War Air Force veteran and a 40-year retiree from McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. He was a devoted husband and caregiver until his wife passed 4 years ago.
R. Richard Straub

R. Richard Straub

R. Richard Straub died of COVID-19 after a brief battle with the virus on November 24, 2020 at the age of 88. Dick grew up in Webster Groves, graduated with honors from Princeton University, and served as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After his time in the military, he moved back to St. Louis and completed his J.D. at Washington University with the Order of the Coif. Dick raised his two girls with his beloved wife while he practiced corporate law at Lewis Rice. At the age of 48 he had a major stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body but fortunately left his sharp mind fully intact. In this early retirement Dick threw himself into volunteering and supporting worthy causes (including providing free legal counsel via SCORE, tutoring children, and helping other stroke victims), living life to the fullest (and still golfing, with the use of only one arm). In 2014 he moved from his home of 50 years to The Gatesworth extended care facility.
Carol A. Strawbridge, retired school principal

Carol A. Strawbridge, retired school principal

Carol Strawbridge was admitted to the hospital on May 3, and died of COVID-19 on May 21 with her family watching 15 minutes away on Facetime as a nurse held her hand. The much loved matriarch of her extensive family, Carol Strawbridge left an indelible mark on her community she helped, the kids she taught, and everyone who was fortunate to know her in any way.
Paul E. Struckhoff, Korean War Veteran

Paul E. Struckhoff, Korean War Veteran

Paul passed away on April 28, 2020 at the age of 88 from complications of COVID-19. He enjoyed nothing more than a cold Stag beer, boating, and Cardinals baseball. He was an active member of the O'Fallon VFW and the Augusta American Legion.
Ralph Struckhoff

Ralph Struckhoff

Ralph Struckhoff died of COVID-19 on September 11th, 2020 at the age of 74. As far as he or his family knew he was perfectly healthy and had the body and mind of someone much younger. He and his wife were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in October (and many more happy anniversaries after that), but now they cannot. Ralph served our country in the U.S. Army from 1965-1967 after which he married the love of his life, Jayne. They settled in Augusta where they raised their two children while he worked worked as a Union carpenter. He was always there to help a neighbor with a home project, listen to a friend, or to spend quality time making memories with his grandkids.
Irene A. Taschler

Irene A. Taschler

Irene A. Taschler died July 20, 2020 from complications of COVID-19. She was 95 years old. Irene was a respected former executive secretary at Emerson Electric. She stayed active with her late husband, visiting their second home in Hawaii and traveling often to see family in Austria. In her later years she loved volunteering at St. Anthony's Medical Center (Mercy South Hospital).Irene Taschler is missed deeply by her adult children, great grandchildren, and extended family both here in St. Louis and in Vienna, Austria.
Randy Tite

Randy Tite

Paul “Randy” Tite of Brighton, Illinois died from Covid-19 on September 9, 2020 at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was 74 years old. Randy worked as a laborer for Labor Local #338 in Wood River and raised three kids with his wife Brenda, who he married right after high-school in 1964. He was a star pitcher on softball leagues, inducted into the USA Softball Hall of Fame MVP in 1975, and also loved fishing.
Carol Ann Todd

Carol Ann Todd

Carol Ann Todd was beating cancer when she was struck with COVID-19. She went to the emergency room feeling ill and never saw her family again. One of her daughters, Vanessa Trotman had just lost her mother-in-law to COVID-19 the day before on May 9th. Vanessa and her husband, faced with deaths of both of their mothers, had to grieve physically apart from family, friends, and church.
Audrey M. Tonies

Audrey M. Tonies

Audrey M. Tonies died of COVID-19 on November 2, 2020 at Dammert Geriatric Care Center in Belleville Illinois at the age of 91. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, which she loved hosting every year (even continuing family celebrations at the Shrine Apartment Community). She'd hoped that COVID-19 would have gotten under control so that she could celebrate with her large family this year.
Patrick Wayne Vadnais

Patrick Wayne Vadnais

Patrick Wayne Vadnais of St. Charles died of COVID-19 complications on April 8 at the age of 70. He was musically inclined and wrote songs, played piano and guitar, sang, and passed his knowledge onto younger folks. Patrick Vadnais is missed by his daughter, step-father, brothers and sisters, extended family and friends.
John Keith Vernier

John Keith Vernier

John Vernier, a 62 year old Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis died of COVID-19 on January 12, 2021. John was retired from the US Navy where he served for 21 years on submarines and served during Operation Desert Storm. After retiring from the military, John went back to school for his RN degree, and took a few classes with his daughter Christine who was also in nursing school. John had a true helper's heart and was always there at any time for his family, friends, and coworkers.He had three daughters with his wife of 37 years, and LOVED being a grandpa. John was looking forward to retiring from his second career and enjoying more family time.
Antoinette “Toni” Gertrude Walker

Antoinette “Toni” Gertrude Walker

Toni died of COVID-19 on October 15th, 2020 at the age of 79. Toni married Bill Walker 54 years ago and raised three daughters with him. She loved nothing more than spending time with family and closely following and participating in her 5 grandkids' activities. She and Bill loved traveling together and they were never far apart. Toni was a long-time member of The St. Louis Women’s Club, Algonquin Golf Club, and St. Vincent De Paul Parish.
Rosie Mae Walker

Rosie Mae Walker

Rosie Mae Walker passed at Saint Louis University Hospital of COVID-19 with her family watching via video on their phones and iPads on April 9, 2020 at the age of 87. It's thought that she caught COVID-19 at a family BBQ in early March after which several family members became ill; one of her sons was still recovering at another hospital when he found out she was dying alone. Rosie Walker was the family matriarch, with 15 children of her own and a tremendously large extended family including two great-great grandchildren. She was widowed twice and retired to St. Claire Illinois to be close to family and joined the Mount Moriah COGIC in Centreville. Rosie would give her heart and soul to help anyone in need.
Gregory J. Warnecke

Gregory J. Warnecke

Gregory J. Warnecke of Belleville, Illinois died of COVID-19 on December 31, 2020, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital at the age of 90. Greg would make handtools and decorative pieces out of wood as a child growing up in Clinton County. After he finished serving in the United States Army Security Agency, he went to work as cabinetmaker with the Markus Cabinet Company, before switching to working on residential and commercial projects. Greg's love of woodworking was possibly only exceeded by his love for his wife, who he recently celebrated 58 years of marriage with in May 2020. In retirement, Greg liked traveling, fishing, spending time with family, but he continued his passion for woodworking through designing and building furniture for his home and for St. Mary's Church in Belleville. His craftsmanship can be seen on the "refurbished sacristy cabinets, both the Easter candle and Advent wreath stands, credence table, and extensive restoration of our Pieta statue and the figures in our Christmas Creche, to name a few."
Dolores E. Weekly

Dolores E. Weekly

Delores E. Weekly died of COVID-19 on November 30, 2020 at the age of 91. She lived in Overland MO for most of her life, and was an active member of the Overland Historical Society. Delores was a skilled quilter and knitter. After retiring from Pet Foods, she sewed gifts for her family and friends, and donated her handcrafts to charities. She loved doing many things, but lunch with friends was her favorite activity of all. Delores was known for her independent, cheerful spirit.
Elaine Anita Weir

Elaine Anita Weir

Elaine Anita Weir of Des Peres (St. Louis County) passed of COVID-19 on July 20, 2020. She was 78 years old and also had Alzheimers, but her gentle personality still showed through until the very end. Elaine was appreciated by her friends and family for her pot roast and skills at baking from scratch. She helped the St. Louis community through her volunteer work with the St. Patrick's Center and Birthright charities. Elaine Anita Weir is missed by her seven grandchildren, surviving brothers and a sister... and of course, all her friends and the many people whose lives she touched.
Sonny Wells

Sonny Wells

Sonny Wells of Farmington MO died of COVID-19 at Mercy Jefferson Hospital on December 30, 2020 at the age of 71. He was a 30 year retiree from the Pipefitters Union Local #562 and served six years during wartime in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Barbara A. White

Barbara A. White

Barbara Ann White died of COVID-19 in St. Peters, MO on May 20, 2020 at the age of 93. She obtained her degree in social work from Washington University. Barbara loved her family, her husband (who preceded her), her cats (who also preceded her), and her friends. She lived an interesting and long life, and gave so much!
Cynthia Whitfield, loving mother and St. Louis nursing home medical technician

Cynthia Whitfield, loving mother and St. Louis nursing home medical technician

Cynthia Whitfield was denied paid sick leave by the skilled care facility she worked at and went to work feeling ill. She worked up until the day before she was admitted to the hospital. Cynthia Whitfield leaves behind four children, her husband of over 40 years, family, friends, as well as leaving behind her underpaid coworkers, and a fucked up system.
Mark Wilhold

Mark Wilhold

Mark Wilhold of Fairmont City, IL died of COVID-19 in a hospital on December 3, 2020 at the age of 59. Mark worked for Kiesel fuel, & Consolidated Ice & Fuel most of his life. He had a son and a daughter with his ex-wife, and a grandson who he loved very much. Mark was close with his family and circle of good friends, and would do anything for a friend.
Afi Williams

Afi Williams

Afi Williams died of COVID-19 on August 6 at the age of 47. He grew up in Jennings, attended University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL), and was a devoted father to his three children. Afi had a true zest for life, that was enthusiastically communicated to all who knew him. Afi was an "essential worker" at a hardware store in Florissant (according to Facebook comments) and he thought he caught COVID-19 from a coworker who had recently gone to a large party. The coworker came to work sick and was sent home, but not before he gave it to Afi (and maybe others). Afi's family wrote in his GoFundMe memorial fund: To the world, Afi is another statistic that gets lumped into the life loss and cloud of chaos that have become the norm of this unthinkable pandemic. But let us take this time to reflect and understand that there are faces and families…love and life…heartbreak and pain associated with each number, dot and line on those daily totals and data charts we’ve seen flashing across our TV and computer screens.
St. Louis Metro’s first known COVID-19 Death: Nurse Judy Wilson-Griffin

St. Louis Metro’s first known COVID-19 Death: Nurse Judy Wilson-Griffin

Perinatal nurse specialist Judy Wilson-Griffon advocated for better health outcomes for at-risk mothers. She was the first person in St. Louis confirmed to die of COVID-19.
Carol Lee Wood

Carol Lee Wood

Carol Lee Wood died of COVID-19 on November 24, 2020. She and her husband of 64 years were active with the South Side Church of God in Sappington MO, and were greatly enjoying retirement together. Carol Lee Wood is missed deeply by her husband, surviving daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Edith L. Woodcock

Edith L. Woodcock

Edith Woodcock of Washington, MO died April 12 from complications of COVID-19. She was 79. Edith retired from Husky Manufacturing in Pacific MO and especially in her retirement loves square dancing and enjoying the outdoors. She was a lifelong supporter of veterans causes and a generous kind friend.
Sharon Kay Wylder

Sharon Kay Wylder

Sharon Kay Wylder of Carlyle Illinois died from complications of COVID-19 on December 29, 2020 at the age of 78. Sharon grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois attended St. Teresa's Academy and graduated from St. John's School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. As a nurse, she cared for everyone from nursing home residents to newborns. Sharon raised her five kids with her late husband, and loved it when she was able to retire and spend more time with her grand kids.
Fatama Lucille Yamnitz and Alva F. Yamnitz

Fatama Lucille Yamnitz and Alva F. Yamnitz

Fatama Lucille Yamnitz married Alva “Al” Yamnitz in 1952 and they had two sons. They lived happily in Normandy, MO until COVID-19 took both their lives. Fatama passed on April 8, 2020 and Al died three days later on April 11 in the same hospital.
Betsey Elaine Young

Betsey Elaine Young

Betsey Elaine Young of St. Clair MO died of COVID-19 on December 1, 2020 at the age of 47. Her parents and sister were allowed to be with her before she was removed from the ventilator. She passed shortly after. Betsey made Christmas ornaments every year for her friends and family. Her boyfriend since 2011 was ready to propose to her this Christmas. She also loved her four cats, her job working for the Missouri Department of Social Services in the Family Support Division, and called her mother every single night. Any kind of travel, but especially to the beach, was a welcome escape and adventure! Betsey was always there to help her friends and her cheerful compassion quickly made everything all better.
Clifford R. Youngstrom

Clifford R. Youngstrom

Clifford Russell Youngstrom, a WWII veteran, passed away on May 15, 2020 in hospice care at St. Luke's Hospital after a courageous battle with COVID-19. Due to restrictions, his loved ones were unable to be at his side, but they spoke continuously with him phone to let him know their love and support.