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Dee Werner January 3, 1936 - November 23, 2018

DEE WERNER, O My Best Beloved….

Born Kathleen Ann to Jack & Lettie Creed on January 3rd, 1936 – died November 23rd, 2018.  Survived by her husband of 49 years, Chris Schraw (Her King/Her Prince); best-quality Mother of 12, Grandmother of 9, Great Grandmother of 3, Cousin, Aunt & Neighbor (thanks, JC) .

Dee was a talented musician & prolific songwriter, performing her own liturgical songs for multi-denominational congregations & entertaining crowds with her always-personal and often hilarious lay songs at music festivals, coffee houses, bars and universities throughout Missouri & Illinois in the company of other prominent local musicians.  She was also active in the St. Louis Civil Rights Movement; her tribute to Rosa Parks can be found on the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution under “Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.”

Dee was an avid reader who enjoyed spirited discussions with family & friends.  She was also a gifted gardener and an accomplished cook, so these gatherings were usually attractive & delicious as well as entertaining.

Dee will be missed but never forgotten as we keep in mind this quote from her favorite author Kurt Vonnegut “There’s only one rule that I know of, babies… you’ve got to be kind” and do our best to follow her own words of wisdom, “Do good and avoid evil.”

An informal memorial for Dee will be open to family & friends on Wednesday November 28thfrom 4-7pm at The Focal Point venue @ 2720 Sutton Blvd. in Maplewood, MO.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

An informal memorial for Dee will be open to family & friends on Wednesday November 28thfrom 4-7pm at The Focal Point venue @ 2720 Sutton Blvd. in Maplewood, MO.

Condolences(20)

  1. REPLY
    Tom Schraw says
    December 3, 2018 at 9:44 pm

    I knew Dee through her wonderful music, introduced to me by my cousin Chris Schraw after he attended a memorial service last Summer for my father, Chris’ uncle. She had a beautiful soul, and a beautiful voice, which I was so glad Chris shared with me. The circle will be unbroken, and her warmth and hope and grace will be there in music to continue to inspire Chris and their loving family. What a gift!

  2. REPLY
    JSC says
    November 28, 2018 at 11:51 pm

    Dear family and loved ones, I was sorry to read about the death of Ms. Werner. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. It has helped me and many others to know that the Bible promises that soon God “will swallow up death forever” (Isaiah 25:8) and that He will bring about a resurrection of our dear loved ones (John 5 : 28, 29) . May “the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort,” comfort you during your time of sadness (2 Corinthians 1: 3).

  3. REPLY
    Bob Lucas says
    November 28, 2018 at 11:13 pm

    Sorry to hear about Dee’s passing. We had fun playing and singing songs together, hers and those of others. Our Daily Bread would have band practice at her house and we were always welcomed, it was an honor to have met Dee and worked with her. She’ll be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

  4. REPLY
    Denise Crawford says
    November 28, 2018 at 4:47 am

    Dee I glad you came to eat lunch with the St .Mary gang .You was funny and wise.RIPH

  5. REPLY
    Mary Heist says
    November 26, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    Sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. I had some nice conversations with her when she came to Lansing with Chris to visit his Dad. She had some funny stories and will be missed.

  6. REPLY
    Liz Duell says
    November 26, 2018 at 1:29 am

    I had the great privilege and pleasure to get to meet her and be part of some family gatherings. She was an amazing treasure. Nothing can ease the loss right now so hold on to each other and share the pain, the wonderful memories and her tremendous love of life and family. My love and condolences to all.

  7. REPLY
    Renea Turner says
    November 25, 2018 at 3:04 pm

    will miss her smile and her humor and her excellent potatoe dish!!!! Will be forever grateful to her for taking Bella. Gone from us but never will be forgotten

  8. REPLY
    Jim Dotson says
    November 25, 2018 at 2:44 pm

    Dee, I will always remember our conversations. Your intuitive insight gave me cause to think differently. I respected your honest viewpoint, the love you shared and the thoughtfulness you inspired in others. I will always remember your warm smile and gentle touch. You are at peace now, your mom and dad, sister Jackie and son Joseph are near. Hold them close as we will our memories. God Bless you and the entire Werner / Schraw family always.

  9. REPLY
    Claudia Cunningham says
    November 25, 2018 at 2:06 am

    My most sincere and loving condolences to all Dee’s family and friends. This picture of her is so incredibly beautiful! And how I wish I had known her better. Fascinating woman! We would have had so much to talk about, sharing our favorite author as we did. This beautiful obituary tells me so much about this wonderful woman: she was a true original and one of a kind.. God bless her and all her beloved’s. My love and prayers are with you now and always.

  10. REPLY
    BonnieWerner says
    November 24, 2018 at 11:01 pm

    I think I’ll miss you the most, scarecrow

    • REPLY
      Anonymous says
      November 24, 2018 at 11:50 pm

      sure enough, i got the quote wrong….it’s “I think I’ll miss you most of all”…and it’s true.

  11. REPLY
    Julia Werner says
    November 24, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    I will always remember Saturday night steak and bingo sleepovers, meeting my first puppy (which was and remains the happiest moment of my life), Pirates of Penzance, Strictly Ballroom, True Stories, chocolate milk and onion strings, spider cookies, egg bake, vegetable soup, homemade bread, Julia’s Cafe, awkward garden photoshoots, garage sale trinkets, backyard pool parties, Friday night clubs, Wednesday morning breakfasts, and a million more things. Thank you for everything. Give Joey a hug and Fey a pet.

  12. REPLY
    Anne M Forbush says
    November 24, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    Dee, You brought a great deal of happiness to our cousin Chris, and for that I am very appreciative. You both had a connection that was tangible. My memories of you are of a funny, very generous, wonderful cook, outspoken, intellectual and passionate woman who loved her family heart and soul. Say hello to my Mom when you see her. Sincerely, Anne Forbush

  13. REPLY
    Frankie Orbacz says
    November 24, 2018 at 9:23 pm

    So sorry for your loss, xo. Sending love and condolences to the family.

  14. REPLY
    Dinah says
    November 24, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    What a beautiful obituary (and picture) of a beautiful woman, inside and out. I will miss our phone conversions most of all. To Chris, and all my cousins, I’m so sorry for your loss.
    I know Mom is welcoming her with arms open wide.
    Dee-Be good, and avoid evil.

  15. REPLY
    Dinah says
    November 24, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    One of the many things I will miss is our phone conversations. And you asking “how is your spiritual life”? I can only imagine the reunion my mom has planned for you. As Mom would say “Bye, be good, have fun”. I love you.

  16. REPLY
    Chris Schraw says
    November 24, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    Forty-nine years together. Wow! How did that happen? So unlikely and yet so perfect! You would occasionally tell me that I was your best idea. I will never receive higher praise. You took some of me with you but left some of you with me. You were my best idea, too.

  17. REPLY
    Kevin Polito says
    November 24, 2018 at 5:37 am

    It was a privilege knowing Dee and being taken into the warm embrace of her family when I was young. Being included in Dee’s world has left me with some of the happiest memories of my life. Dee gave so much more to the world than she took from it. She will be sorely missed, but those of us lucky to have been part of her life will always be able to look back and smile at the good times we had with her.

  18. REPLY
    Petra Syme says
    November 24, 2018 at 3:59 am

    I am so sorry to hear this – not unexpected but still tragic for those she leaves behind. I have said it before – she was a grand woman and leaves a fabulous legacy in the children she raised….some of whom I am honored to call friends. Keep the memories bright and shiny, the pain will lessen over time but the memories will grow brighter and shinier. love to all. Pee-Eye

  19. REPLY
    Robert (Grover) Werner says
    November 24, 2018 at 3:43 am

    Mom? Can you hear me? I Love you! I miss you…
    Very much. I’m sorry you had to go, but I understand. I’m so, so very grateful that I was able to spend time with you and have the heart to heart talk about life and loss, among other things. Your gracious and practical wisdom have guided me when I didn’t know what to do. It is without a doubt, your way that lead me to believe in better things. I’ll keep you close and remember exactly what you told me. Always.
    “I can see a Halo, shining in my window
    You are and will always be…….

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