Our dear Mother Mary Jane Schnitker passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022 at the age of 82. Mary Jane was born in Salisbury, Missouri on February 24, 1940 to parents Rolla and Etta Grace Singleton. She moved to Columbia, Missouri as a young girl where she attended Hickman High School. She graduated from University of Missouri, Columbia with a degree in Elementary Education. While at Mizzou, she met the love of her life, Bob. Mary Jane loved being active with Tri-Delta and shone brightly as Lambda Chi sweetheart. Mary Jane and Bob were married on June 16, 1962. Together they welcomed three girls into the world. She lived her life putting her daughters first and was a loving and devoted Mother. Mary Jane touched the lives of countless students as a kindergarten teacher and was honored by being named a Lindbergh Distinguished Educator. Mary Jane and Bob loved entertaining and treasured time with their many dear friends. Mary Jane loved to read, plan meals and cook. Family favorites were her gooey butter cake and shrimp spread. Most of all, Mary Jane loved her grandchildren and took such joy in being an active part of their lives. Becoming a Great Grandma was the icing on the cake.
Mary Jane is survived by her loving husband Bob; daughters Debbie (Jim) Moss, Julie (Tom) Gallagher and Jennifer (Ron) Mitchell; six grandchildren – Katie (Tom) Freeman, James Louis III (Kaylyn) Moss, Ethan Gallagher, Shane Gallagher, Charlie Pettigrew and Claire (Cameron) Murray; two precious great-grandchildren – Vivienne Freeman and James Louis Moss IV. She is preceded in death by her beloved Mother Etta Grace, Father Rolla and brother Don.
Public visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 4 from 10am to 1pm at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton Chapel at 10151 Gravois, followed by a public memorial service at 2pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 9 South Bompart, Webster Groves, Missouri 63119.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family during this difficult time! Praying your memories bring you peace and joy during these difficult times!
We feel the loss of Mary Jane deeply.
She was the most kind, supportive , and giving person anyone could wish for a friend. Having spent many years as friends we will miss her so.
We spent years of joy and sorrow with herself and Bob . Mary Jane’s smile warmed your heart. God bless her family, whom she adored .
Prayers! I am so thankful to have known Mary Jane. What a strong and inspiring woman. I will love you always and forever Mary Jane ! I’m going to miss hearing you say goodbye best friend every night to Julie when getting off the phone while whispering” I love you drive safe” to me .
Love always
Jeannie
She was a very special lady for sure❤loved her so! Prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love, Joe Sue and Family
Your mom and dad were very special friends to my parents! I remember get togethers at your house when I was a small child!
Also, I reconnected with your mom in recent years as she was a worker at my polling place!
You are all in my prayers for the loss of your wife/mom/grandma!
Mary Jane’s heartwarming smile, hugs, and words made each visit with her a special treat. Ruth Cole McKee, our cousin, introduced Lindell and I, to the Schnitker’s at a New Year’s Day gathering many years ago at the Blackwell House. We’ve exchanged family circle memories as you gals’ lives pushed forward and our very young children grew into adulthood. Fondest of memories remain of the great moments with Bob and Mary Jane. Much sympathy and extended condolences as your grief relief will appear someday.
A wonderful lady, now a perfect angel.
Mary Jane was my son, Chris’s, kindergarten teacher. He called her, Mrs. Snicker and gave her snickers on her birthday! She was so beloved by everyone and I was sorry to hear of her passing. My prayers are with her family at this difficult time. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A mother’s love is always
with her children. Losing a
mother is one of the deepest
sorrows a heart can know.
But her goodness, her caring,
and her wisdom live on-like
a legacy of love that will
always be with you. May
that love surround you now
and bring you peace.
When I was close to the Schnitker family, I found Mary Jane to be the most pleasant and personable person. RIP