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.
Mrs. Schnitker was the kindest and best teacher ever. She was my kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Fenton Elementary. She was my inspiration for becoming a teacher. My condolences to each of you.
We are so sorry at this. She’s been a member of our extended family since we first met her at Concord Elementary. She provided timeless support for those times we lost family members through the years. We grieve with her family and friends. Heaven gained a wonderful teacher and inspiration.
We are so sorry to hear about Mary Jane. Please accept or prayers and condolences. She and Mom Thorburg (Arlene) were wonderful neighbors and friends to each other for many years!
We were neighbors of Bob and Mary Jane back in the 70’s and went through a devastating Tornado in Blueberry Hill together. Also a business associate of Son in Law Jim Moss for many years in St. Louis. Thoughts and Prayers at this difficult time. Ron & Faith Baldwin Tampa Florida
My kindergarten teacher at Bruce School in Maplewood. I loved every day in her class, the teepee, the science area and the giant toy soldier on the wall. Always a smile and so much love in her room. I was lucky to spend a summer helping her in Lindbergh with her kindergarten class once I reached college. An amazing teacher and human. Thank you for being such an excellent example in life Mrs. Schnitker. Many condolences to the family.
Mary Jane was grace and kindness and joy! I was honored to work with her for many years as Lindbergh kindergarten teachers. She always had a smile and was adored by the hundreds of children whose lives she touched. She will probably start a kindergarten in heaven!
Mrs. Schnitker was my kindergarten, first, and second grade teacher at Fenton school. She had a profound effect on all of the children she taught. I have had many teacher in my 48 years, but she was the one that I will always remember for caring and making learning fun! She was a sweet woman and a beautiful spirit. I’m so very sorry for your loss! May she rest in peace and peace be with your family!
Mrs. Schnitker was my kindergarten teacher at Lindbergh ECE (when all the K classes were at Truman’s campus). What an amazing start to my educational career, starting with such a wonderful and caring teacher! Even 35 years later I still look back with extremely fond memories of Kindergarten thanks to her. And I believe that because she made kindergarten so much fun, it helped set the stage for years of learning, and enjoying school. Thank you for sharing your love of teaching and children with us. My condolences to your family.
Mary Jane was a ray of sunshine; with a heart of gold. She shone with love for children, and kindness and compassion for her colleagues. I was privileged to be her buddy class teacher my first year teaching 5th grade, and then worked with her again in kindergarten. I learned so many things from Mary Jane; she was an outstanding educator and a wonderful friend. Her family was her true joy—she spoke of Bob, her girls, and grandchildren with such love and affection. She will be truly missed.
I was fortunate to have worked with Mary Jane for 20years.She was always so happy, never had a negative thing to say.Always so full of joy.She will always live on in the many lives she touched. LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!
Julie,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful mom. I remember meeting her several times at Mesnier. She was such a wonderful person.
Beth
Mary Jane willingly accepted the position of Archivist for the 100th Anniversary of the Delta Xi chapter of Delta Delta Delta. She was a treasured member of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, especially the Luncheon Group.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My mom was a teachers aid in her kindergarten class and loved her! She was a very special person in my moms life and meant a lot to her. My condolences to your family.