Florence Elizabeth Panhorst (Reid) was born on January 25, 1924 in St. Louis, MO to Mallie Beall Reid (Hamilton) (December 6,1894-November 5,1970) and George Leonard Reid Sr. (January 26,1892-February 7,1957).
Eight years later, on August 29, 1932, Florence was joined by a brother, George Leonard Reid, Jr. Florence went to Clay Grade School and two years of high school. She quit to help her aunt cook, clean and help her with her children. When Florence was 20, she went to work at McQuay-Norris. There she inspected bullets, for her contribution to the war effort. When the war ended, Florence started working at Carter Carburetor. She worked on an assembly line and sat across from her future husband, Erwin George Panhorst (February 15, 1915-May 31, 2000). They fell in love and she quit working. The two were married on July 8, 1949. Florence became an instant Mom to Erwin's two sons, Robert Erwin Panhorst (July 8, 1936-July 1, 1983) and James Arthur Panhorst born December 1, 1939. They bought a house at 847 Nassau Drive in Baden where they lived for 51 years.
Florence was baptized at Ebenezer Lutheran Church on June 23, 1957, the same date she became a member. Florence was a member of the Evening Guild and helped to assemble the church bulletins. She also volunteered at Ebenezer Lutheran School, working in the concession stand during the Thanksgiving Basketball Tournaments.
Their first born was Kenneth Alan born March 5, 1952. Their first daughter, Patricia Ellen was born on August 18, 1953. Their second daughter, Debra Kay was born on September 30, 1957. Their last child, a son named John Glenn, was born on February 20, 1962.
Florence was an aunt to Paula Reid, daughter of George and Dolores Reid. Florence was an honorary Grandma to Kevin Anthony Feld, son of Gerry and Joanne Feld. Florence and Erwin were grandparents to Christine Panhorst (Kulage) and David Panhorst, children of Robert and Judy Panhorst, Dana Panhorst, daughter of Kenneth and Trudy Panhorst, Jeremiah and Jason Panhorst, sons of James and Jeannie Panhorst, and Andrew Heimberger, son of Robert and Debra Heimberger. They were also great-grandparents to Elizabeth and Kristen Panhorst, children of Jeremiah and Rachel Panhorst, James and Christopher Panhorst, children of Jason and Crystal Panhorst and Christian and Shyla, children of Jason and Ashley Panhorst.
Florence loved her family and loved spending time with them. When Erwin passed away, the house was sold so Florence could move in with Debra in South St. Louis. Patricia sold her house and moved in with Debra to save money for traveling. Florence enjoyed living there with Debra, Andrew and Patricia.
Florence enjoyed watching the Cardinals on TV and even went to a few games. She screamed at the TV and always said " Why don't they take out that pitcher?!" (even if it was only after a few pitches!) Florence and her daughters had season tickets to see the Rams. She enjoyed routing for her team even when she had beer poured on her! She didn't even mind having to climb many steps to get to their seats. Florence enjoyed talking to all the people around them, probably more than watching the game! When they sold their tickets, she still liked to watch the Rams on TV until the Rams moved back to LA. (which she did not like!)
We were all blessed to have Florence for 93 years. She will be greatly missed by all.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18