Mary Etta Skinner

Mary Etta Skinner born on March 14, 1936, near Bellmont, Illinois, and peacefully passed away on August 11, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 89.

Daughter of Bernard and Marie Skinner, Mary Etta lived a life marked by faith, learning, and adventure. She graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University. Her passion for education led to a master's degree from the University of Iowa, and a deep spiritual calling inspired a second master's in divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology. Mary Etta was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), dedicating her life to service, faith, and community.

Throughout her journey, Mary Etta lived in Illinois, California, Spain, New York, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri—each place enriching her life and ministry. Her love of travel took her to all 50 U.S. states and far beyond: Puerto Rico, England, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Morocco, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Germany, Romania, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Every destination was a testament to her curiosity, openness, and joy in connecting with others.

In retirement, Mary Etta made her home in the St. Louis area and, in recent years, resided in the Benedictine Community at the Shrine in Belleville, Illinois. She became a devoted Cardinals and Chiefs fan, and continued to inspire those around her with warmth, wisdom, and humor.

She is survived by her sister Kathleen (Harry) Hyndman of St. Louis, MO; brother Ben (Vicky) Skinner of El Paso, TX; nephew Tom (Dianna) Hyndman of St. Peters, MO; niece Anna (Jonathan) Williams of Kenosha, WI; nephew Aaron (Xochi) Skinner of El Paso, TX; and friend Joyce (John) Crowter of Rome, NY. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her cousins, great nieces and nephews, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and spirit.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, at Friedens Church in Browns, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to someone you love or to a charity of your choosing.

Mary Etta leaves behind a legacy of faith, education, and global fellowship. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.