Helen Marie St. John, 90, passed away on Saturday July 28, 2018 in Columbia. A visitation will be from 10-11am, Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Memorial Funeral Home followed by a private family graveside service. A memorial service will follow later that afternoon at 3:30 PM at Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia.
Helen Marie St. John was born Nov. 18, 1927, to Elmer and Mary Butcher in rural Henry County, MO. In that rural setting, Helen often traveled by horseback, studied by oil lamp light, listened to a battery powered radio, attended a one-room school house and loved her farm pets and 4-H animals as friends. Helen attended Central Missouri State Teachers College (now UMC) in Warrensburg. In 1947, Helen met her future husband, Charles “Charlie” St. John, on a blind date at a high school basketball game. They were married December 27, 1948 in the home of Helen's parents. Their time together was temporarily interrupted when Charlie was called back into military service during the Korean War. Upon his return, the young couple set up housekeeping in Clinton, MO. His career moved them to Jefferson City, MO where their first son was born in 1953, then on to Independence, MO where their second son was born in 1955. Subsequently, they found their way back to Jefferson City in 1957 and their third son was born there in early 1960. They later moved to Columbia that same year and resided there the remainder of their lives.
Helen was a devoted wife and mother offering unlimited love and support to her husband and children. Helen was a long standing member of Missouri United Methodist Church (MUMC) in Columbia, where she actively participated in her love of Christ. Helen was a connected parent serving as a school PTA president and school room and sports team mother many times over. Helen belonged to several civic and charitable organizations including King's Daughters, P.E.O., and DAR. Helen loved playing bridge, enjoying the company of her many very good friends.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband Charlie and her parents and brother Everett. She is survived by two sisters, Marilyn and Edith Ann; her three sons, Craig with Gayle, Clint with former wife Mitzi, Chuck with Dana, grandchildren, Andy and Hayley (Craig), Kyle, Leila and Alana (Clint) and Noelle (Chuck), and great grandson Trystan (Kyle), along with her nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Millcreek Village and Compassus Hospice for the attention and loving care they provided to our Mother. Memorial contributions may be sent to: MUMC Foundation, C/O Helen St. John, 204 S. 9th St., Columbia, MO, 65201.
