Vera Athleen Marler-Knapp

She is preceded in death by her dear first husband, Kenneth Laverne Marler, her beloved second eldest son, Stephen Lee Marler, her treasured sister Polly Lewis, and brother Jackie McMillen, her second much loved husband Richmond L. Knapp (fondly known as Bud), two stepsons, Toby and Timothy Knapp, a step-daughter-in-law Cheryl Knapp, and a step-grandson Richmond L. Knapp III, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Vera Athleen worked at RexAll Drugs where she contributed as a Quality Control Supervisor until she left for McDonell Douglas where she finished her career as a Quality Assurance Representative. She and Ken raised their family in Arnold, MO until his passing in 1987. A new chapter began when she met and married Bud, and moved to Easton, CT, where she lived until his passing in 2017. Both communities were better because of the time and energy she devoted to the people living within them.

Her legacy continues through her surviving loved ones, including her eldest son Kenneth Michael Marler (Christine); her daughter Carolyn Sue Sheppard (Jim); and her daughter-in-law Denise Marler (Stephen). She leaves behind five grandchildren and six great-granddaughters. Her eldest granddaughter Becky Pemberton (Josh) and their three daughters, Evie, Lola, and Penelope; her eldest grandson Joe Marler (Jamie) and their daughter Ava; her youngest grandson Zachary Bekemeier; her granddaughter Emily McFarland (Andrew) and their two daughters Lucy and Violet; and her youngest granddaughter Kaitlyn Sheppard. Additionally, she is survived by her stepchildren, Martha Leonard (Bill) and Richmond Knapp, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special recognition is owed to Vera’s caretaker, Nicole Pride. Nicole became a trusted, devoted, and dear friend that cared for, assisted, and comforted Vera in her final months of life. Nicole’s time, trust, and devotion is greatly appreciated by Vera’s family.

To know Vera Athleen was to be prayed for by her, a testament to her love of Jesus. She was a talented cook, and a masterful green thumb. Loving moments were spent cuddling with her kitties, watching University of Connecticut basketball, and attending Broadway shows. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and an adoring grandmother. She gave generously to others around her.

As we say goodbye to Vera Athleen, please remember all the ways she enriched our lives. May her love, faith, and joyful spirit continue to inspire us all. She will live on through all of those whose lives she blessed.

A visitation for Vera will be held Monday, September 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral service at 11:00 AM at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010. Burial to follow at Shepherd Hills Cemetery, 1925 Old State Rd M, Barnhart, MO 63012.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heiligtagfuneralhome.com for the Knapp family.