Marie Louise (Morff) Holtmeyer

Marie Louise (Morff) Holtmeyer, age 92, of Jefferson City, went to her heavenly home surrounded by family on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at the home of her daughter in Jefferson City. She was born on October 6, 1927, in the Teal Bottom area near Henley, daughter of the late John Jacob and Theresa (Loethen) Morff. On April 27, 1946, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas, Marie married Joseph Henry Holtmeyer, who preceded her in death on March 1, 1980. Joe was the love of her life. Marie celebrated her 92nd birthday three weeks earlier at the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Jefferson City on October 6, 2019. She was alert, happy, laughing, and clapping as the whole crowd sung her "Happy Birthday". After that day, her health quickly declined. Marie completed her education in St. Thomas and moved to and worked in St. Louis before her marriage to Joe and then became a homemaker for many years taking care of her family. Marie loved the farm and enjoyed helping on the farm. She spent many hours working in her gardens and doing lots of canning. After her youngest child started school, she was a cook for the St. Elizabeth R-IV School in St. Elizabeth for 22 years until her retirement. She so enjoyed visiting with all the children as they passed through the cafeteria. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary unit 0545, a quilter with the St. Elizabeth Quilters Group, faithful member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth and St. Ann Sodality. After being diagnosed with dementia and early onset of Alzheimer's in 2010, Marie moved to Jefferson City where she stayed with her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Carl Gilbert, and attended St. Martin Catholic Church. Marie loved putting quilts together and quilting them. Marie's favorite entertainment was dancing and playing cards, especially pinochle and pitch, with family and friends. She enjoyed playing other card and board games with her children and grandchildren. However, her greatest enjoyments came from being with her friend and running partner Rosemund, her grandchildren, and special furry friends, Rosie and Rosie 2 (Angel Rose). Marie had a heart as big as the world and never knew a stranger. Her home was always open to all as she could never say no to anyone. Even though she will be greatly missed, we know that she is at peace and reunited with her one true love. She is survived by 13 children: daughters, Shirley Toebben (Jerry) of Taos, Sharon Brauner (Bob), Sandra "Sandy" Robinett (fiancé, Mike Palmero), Susan Gilbert (Carl), Ardella Holtmeyer, Mary Jo Dunn (Chuck), all of Jefferson City; sons, Joseph "Joe" Holtmeyer Jr. (Marilyn) of Taos, James "Jim" Holtmeyer (Nina) of Bonnots Mill, Gerald Holtmeyer (Vicki) of Bonnots Mill, Alan Holtmeyer (Delores) of St. Thomas, Randall "Randy" Holtmeyer (Maria De Fatima "Fatima") of Puyallup, Wash., Glennon "Glen" Holtmeyer (Rebecca) of St. Elizabeth, and Kevin Holtmeyer (Deidra "Dee") of Rolla; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Holtmeyer of Russellville; 75 grandchildren, 141 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren including step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Marie was preceded in death by two sons, Gary and Terrance "Terry" Holtmeyer; four sisters, Emma Schulte, Marcella "Sally" Biffle, Laverne "Vernie" Berendzen, and Arlene Hudak; four brothers, Lawrence, Felix, Victor, and Bernard "Barney" Morff; one daughter-in-law, Helen Holtmeyer, three grandchildren, Pamela Hake, Brian Hake, and Holly (Prenger) Keisling; and two step-great-grandsons, Braden Morff and Bradley Gilbert. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., with a visitation from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., on Thursday, October 31, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth with Fr. Joby Thomas officiating. Interment will be held at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with a family prayer service at 4 p.m., on Wednesday, October 30, at St. Martin's Catholic Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hospice and Palliative Care Compassus, Alzheimer's Association, or donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth.