Vera Theiss Imse

Vera Theiss Imse, 93, passed away Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Vera was born Jan. 6, 1923 to Thomas B. and Frances Leight Theiss. After a private burial, there will be Memorial Service at 3 p.m., Friday at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, 45 W. Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, Mo. 63119.

Vera lived most of her life in Webster Groves, graduating from Webster Groves High School in 1941, and then graduating from William Woods College in Fulton, Mo., with a two-year degree. After her marriage to Lambert C.Imse, she began her education career by teaching in a two-room schoolhouse outside of Columbia, Mo.

She was the mother of Christy Imse Bowers, Terri Imse Graybeal and Karen Kay Imse. While caring for her children, she was active in school activities and was a Girl Scout leader. She passed along her love of sewing, gardening, reading and dogs to her daughters.

She returned to college in the middle 1960s, studying math education at University of Missouri-St. Louis and Webster University, where she received her degree. She later attained her Master’s Degree from Webster University. She also completed a great deal of course work on her PhD.

While she was studying for her degree, she taught preschool at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. She began teaching math at Webster Groves High School, where she also served as cheerleading sponsor. As a single parent, she was able to help put her three daughters through college. When she retired from the high school, she didn’t stop teaching. For the next several years, she taught occasional classes at Webster University.

Vera was active in the Mathematical Association of High School Teachers, Webster Groves Women’s Garden Club, Herb Society and Herbal Study. She was on the board for the Howard A. Latta Scholarship Fund committee. She was a member of Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the preschool program, participated on various committees and help start the Church Women’s Book Group. She also enjoyed quilting and many types of needlecraft.

She was a proud grandmother of three grandchildren who brought her much joy -Scott (Sarah) Graybeal of Olathe, Ks., Stacey Graybeal of Mission, Ks., and Lauren (Ben) Albury of Carpenter’sville, Il. Vera was blessed with five great-grandchildren – Mallory (11), Whitney (9), Bentley (6) and Brody Graybeal (3) and Parker Albury (5 weeks).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Theiss, sister-in-law Margie Theiss, brother Donald F. Theiss and brother-in-law Gunnar Andersen.

She is survived by her sister Virginia Andersen of Webster Groves, her daughters –Christy of Seattle, Wash., Terri (Lee) of Olathe and Karen - her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and numerous dear friends. Vera also left behind her devoted poodle Bebe.

We wish to thank Vera’s caregivers, Kris and Cathy, for helping Karen with her home care.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of the following would be appreciated:

Howard A Latta Scholarship Fund

P.O. Box 31124

St. Louis, Mo. 63131-0124

Building Fund

Webster Groves Presbyterian Church

45 W. Lockwood Ave,

St. Louis, Mo. 63119

Webster Groves Herb Society Scholarship

452 Foreston Place

St. Louis, Mo 63119