Frances Ann Staub

July 8, 1938 – January 1, 2022

All was not quiet on New Year’s Day – at least not in Heaven. On January 1, 2022, God welcomed Fran Staub into Heaven to join her parents, many aunts and uncles, her beloved brother-in-law and many of her friends who had gone before her. A self-described “Old Italian Grandmother”, Fran was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. The only thing that mattered to her was her unwavering love for her husband, family, friends, food and the Cubs. She cherished Christmas, Easter and her Sunday night family meals. It was her way of bringing the family together to share moments of laughter, love and food. These times were rich with Italian bravado, and it didn’t matter if you were right or wrong – you just had to be the loudest.

Married to Denny Staub for more than 63 years, Fran adored her husband and supported him throughout his football playing and coaching career. On any given Friday night or Saturday afternoon, you could find Fran at Denny’s games. She was his biggest fan and (of course) the loudest! Over the years, their love for each other grew stronger and stronger. They were each other’s number one priority. Even towards the end when Denny would walk into Fran’s room, she would light up instantly, hold out her hand and prepare for Denny’s hug and a kiss.

Fran was a grateful mother to Tracey and Geoff. She loved her children dearly and supported them unconditionally. Fran gave her heart to them and inspired them to live a fulfilling life of love in their pursuit of happiness. When her kids were in high school, she would do whatever it took to attend their track and cross country meets. She was their biggest fans and, again, the loudest! More importantly, she gave them the greatest gifts of all which were love, integrity and respect. She welcomed her son-in-laws Jeff Swabby and Andy Altmann into the family with open arms, a warm heart and a lot of Italian sass!

As a grandmother, Carley and Gino were her world. She loved them so much and was not shy about spoiling them - which is why today, they are shopping experts that can navigate a food court with elite skills. When the kids were young, the Staub house became daycare central. From watching The Wiggles with Carley, to basement hockey with Gino and afternoon trips to Shaw Park and Ted Drewes, Fran’s mission was to create precious moments with her grandchildren and memories for life. When Carley was an infant and became ill, Fran would be at Cardinal Glennon Hospital 24/7 to give comfort to Tracey and Jeff and prayers for Carley. She was a proud grandmother and was not shy about telling people about the world’s most amazing grandchildren.

Fran’s love for her family extended well beyond her children and grandchildren. She loved to spend time with her cousins, nieces and nephews. Family gatherings would not be complete without the Vollmers, Delises, Staubs and Baragiolas. Her mission was to be inclusive and loving, while driving them crazy. She cherished her time with Chris and Cliff Vollmer and enjoyed going to music concerts and traveling throughout the U.S. with them.

Fran always kept a special place in her heart for Denny’s late brother Gerry, his children and his wife Jackie. She loved spending time with her niece Melissa (Missy Staub) Golebiewski, nephews Chris and Michael Staub, their spouses and their children. It was this love for the Staubs that always kept Gerry’s spirit alive for Fran and Denny. She also really liked to drive Missy crazy!

Fran’s love did not stop with family. She made lifelong friendships with some of the most kind and gentle souls. Whether it was shopping excursions with her besties, the late Marilyn Knirsch and Caroyln Daigle, or long lunches with the gals from Hallmark, she always enjoyed their time together. And of course her longtime friend Carol Kinder who would style Fran’s hair for years even up until her final days.

For more than 40 years, Fran worked in the candy business. She looked forward to the holiday seasons as these were their busiest times. She would work 10-12 hour days because she absolutely loved it. She loved working with customers and finding the right mix of chocolate to sweeten their day. She enjoyed hearing their stories and getting to know the regulars. She became known as “the candy lady”.

Fran had a big, warm heart. She always gave more and expected little in return. She loved people. Whether it was family, friends or strangers, all she wanted to do was show them love, see a smile and make them laugh.

Born Frances Ann Sita on July 8, 1938, to Frank and Pearl Sita, Fran grew up the in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, MO. Fran came from a large and close-knit Italian family. It was from this upbringing that she learned the true value of a loving family, a caring heart and an Italian spirit. She attended Soldan High School where she met, and later married, her high school sweetheart Denny Staub.

Fran and Denny married while Denny was playing football and studying at the University of Illinois. Fran moved to Champaign, IL and this started their journey as Mr. and Mrs. Staub. Denny’s career as a football coach would take them to Onarga, IL, St. Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO and eventually back to St. Louis, MO. Along the way, they made lifelong friendships with many people, including fellow coaches, players, their families, the Christian Brothers at O’Hara High School and C.B.C., and Fran’s co-workers at Hallmark and the candy stores.

While in Kansas City, Fran and Denny adopted their children Tracey and Geoff. Fran would always say this was two of the greatest blessings in her life. It wasn’t long before they headed back to St. Louis to be closer to family. They found a home in Clayton, MO and lived there for more than 40 years.

On New Year’s Day, Fran arrived in Heaven. She is now with Frank, Pearl, Aunt Rose, Uncle Johnny, Bimbo, Gerry, Gail, Marilyn, Carolyn and so many others. Heaven just got a little bit louder.

Fran is survived by her husband Dennison, daughter Tracey Swabby (Jeff), son Geoffrey (Andrew Altmann), grandchildren Carley Swabby and Gianino (Gino) Swabby, and sister Margaret Kremer (Michael).

Visitation is on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Kriegshauser Mortuary – West Chapel, 9450 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on The Hill, 5130 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Masks are preferred at both services.

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