Barbara Jane Deifer

Barbara Jane Deifer (nee Rapplean), 88, of St. Louis, MO passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2015. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Edwin and Mary (nee Kilanowicz) Rapplean; and her siblings, Florence, Eileen, Bill, Gerry, Judy, Margaret, and Al.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Russell J. Deifer; children, John (Sue) Deifer and Laurie (Tom) McKenna; a granddaughter, Mindee (Leo) Polson; and siblings, Lorraine, Therese, and Roger. Beloved aunt, Godmother, neighbor, and friend. She will be dearly missed.

She was a devoted Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Florissant who raised her children with a strong faith in God. While the children were in school, Barbara took her kids everywhere—to the pool, the zoo, and the park as well as serving as Girl Scout leader for Laurie’s troop. She was always very active and played volleyball and Canasta. She also loved to read and taught her children to love reading as well. Barbara was a great cook and had a tradition of Christmas cookie baking every year with her daughter, and once her only granddaughter was old enough to help, she joined in on the baking fun. This tradition will continue with Laurie and Mindee. She was a doting grandmother and Mindee was the light of her life.

When the children were out of school, Barbara worked as a bookkeeper for the Chapman Ice Cream Company. After Russell retired, Barbara and Russell travelled extensively. Europe, Hawaii, and many cruises were a part of the life they enjoyed after retirement. They moved to St. Petersburg, FL where they lived for over 20 years. They enjoyed their time there immensely with friends, long walks, beautiful sunsets, and their favorite restaurants serving grouper sandwiches. Barbara was a huge hockey fan and followed the Tampa Bay Lightning while in Florida, attended some games over the years and followed them on TV. She was a member of the Blessed Trinity Church while in Florida.

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation from 10-11 a.m. at St. Cletus Parish on Zumbehl Road in St. Charles. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Heart Association. Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.alexanderstlouis.com.