Valhalla Funeral Chapel, Crematory and Cemetery

10/12/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Willa Dean Brown, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of our community, who departed this life on October 10, 2026, at the age of 90. Willa was born on November 6, 1935, and her life was a testament to the power of love, family, and a thirst for knowledge.

A true lover of stories, Willa spent her early years immersed in the pages of countless books, finding joy and adventure in each written word. As time passed, she embraced the convenience of audiobooks, discovering new worlds and ideas as she continued to nurture her passion for literature. This lifelong love of reading contributed to her warm spirit and open mind, qualities that touched everyone who knew her.

Willa's heart belonged to her family, and her pride and joy were her grandchildren. They were a source of immense happiness and fulfillment in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Jesse and Viola (Johns) Littrell; husband, Joe. H. Brown; son, Marvin Daniel Brown as well as many siblings.
Willa is survived by son, Larry (Susan) Brown; daughter-in-law, Pamela Brown; grandchildren: Nathan (Shelly) Brown, Andrea (Rodney) Calise, Rachel (James Fitzgerald) Brown; great-grandchildren: Simone Brown and Brigid Fitzgerald.

A private graveside service will be held at Valhalla Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri, where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Joe.
The family would like to extend a thank you to...

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10/08/2026

Richard Dean Holtkamp, beloved brother and uncle, passed away on October 5, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on February 4, 1954, in Mexico, Missouri, Richard's journey on this earth was marked by his deep love for animals, particularly cats and dogs, whom he welcomed into his life with open arms and an unwavering heart. He never met an animal that he couldn't befriend, showcasing a gentle spirit that touched all who knew him.

His life was characterized by his unyielding care for his family, especially during the years he spent as a caregiver for his father and mother, showing an extraordinary devotion that illustrated the depths of his character.

Richard is survived by his brother, Stanley (Sharon) Holtkamp of Fredericktown, Missouri; sisters: Carol (Charlie) Wilmes of Manchester, Missouri, and Janice (Russ) Vukmir of Harrisburg, North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: James Jerome and Helen Elizabeth (Rouse) Holtkamp; twin brother, Roger Dale Holtkamp; brother, Michael Jerome Holtkamp; James Noel Holtkamp and sisters: Gloria June Hudson and Sharon Kay Selle.

A visitation gathering will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Valhalla Chapel of Memories, 7600 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 63133. A graveside service will immediately follow at Valhalla Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers: Memorial contributions may be made: Helping Strays of Monroe County, Illinois.

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09/12/2026

Rebecca “Becky” J. Rottmann (nee Russell), 77, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2026. Born in September 1948, in Kirksville, Missouri, she lived a full and meaningful life.

Becky graduated from Jefferson City High School before earning her degree from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. She became a devoted teacher in the Ladue School District, where she inspired countless young minds throughout her career.

A member of the Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, Becky was deeply involved in her community and cherished the friendships she made there. Her faith and commitment to service were a guiding force in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Geraldine Russell, and her in-laws, Ed and Betty Rottmann, all of whom she held dearly in her heart.

Becky is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Lee Rottmann; son, Russell Rottmann (Stacy); grandson, Chase Rottmann; daughter, Laura Buckley (Gabe); brother-in-law, Kurt Rottmann (Jackie).

In accordance with her wishes, Becky will be cremated at Valhalla Funeral Chapel, Crematory and Cemetery.

A celebration of Becky’s life will be held on September 26, 2026, at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri, at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family are invited to come together to honor her life and reflect on the lasting impact she had on those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness,...

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08/27/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sophie Meinershagen, who left this world on August 24, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on January 23, 1931, in Lodz, Poland, to Waclaw and Eleanora (Agustyniak) Marchewa. Sophie was a resilient spirit who journeyed to America with her family during the tumultuous years of the war. Arriving in Cedar Hill, Missouri, they embraced their new life with unwavering determination, overcoming challenges and building a future in a new land.

Sophie’s early career as a bookkeeper led her to meet the love of her life, John Meinershagen, with whom she married in 1963. Together, they raised two daughters, creating a warm and loving home filled with laughter and joy. Sophie took immense pride in her family, and her four grandsons became the apples of her eye, bringing her endless happiness and purpose.

An accomplished seamstress, Sophie dedicated many years of her life to Famous Barr, where her creative talents flourished. Her passion for storytelling culminated in the self-publishing of her book, a labor of love that captured the essence of her experiences and dreams.

Sophie’s vibrant life was characterized by her love for travel and her eagerness to embrace new adventures. Whether exploring new places or sharing moments with family, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met with her warmth and spirit.

Sophie is survived by her daughters: Paula Ann (Jeffery) Mosley of Fenton, Missouri, and Christine...

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08/24/2026

Mabel Jewik Leong
January 11, 1928 - August 18, 2026
Mabel Jewik Leong was born on January 11, 1928, in Troy, New York, to the late Ik Jew and Wong Gon Hay. She was the third of six children born to this union.
As with many Asian American families during that era, the hardships of the Great Depression led the family to seek better opportunities elsewhere. In June 1934, the family returned to Kwangtung Province, China settling in the village of Xia Lu. Mabel attended elementary and secondary school in China and was active in sports during her youth.
In 1948, Mabel entered into an arranged marriage with James Y.C. Leong and subsequently moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where the couple established their home and built their future together.
Mabel was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Louis Chinese Gospel Church. The values of her faith, including kindness, perseverance, humility, and compassion, were reflected in the way she lived her life and cared for others.
In her early years in St. Louis, Mabel worked in the family hand-laundry business owned by her Father-In-Law while her husband, James, attended Saint Louis University pursuing a career as an Electrical Engineer with McDonnell Douglas Corporation. As the hand-laundry industry declined during the 1960s, the family made the decision to pursue a new opportunity in the restaurant business.
While James provided the vision, Mabel partnered with her brother, James Jewik, to launch Egg Roll...

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08/13/2026

Leola Elizabeth Long, a cherished resident of Chesterfield, Missouri, and beloved mother, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, at the age of 101. Born on March 25, 1925, Leola was a hardworking homemaker who dedicated her life to her family and the joys of nurturing both her loved ones and her beloved garden.

Growing up on a farm, Leola developed a profound love for the outdoors, spending countless hours tending to her flowers and vegetables. Her hands were always in the dirt, cultivating beauty and sustenance, an extension of her caring nature. An avid gardener, Leola found solace in the cycles of nature.
Leola's meticulous planning and organization were hallmarks of her life. She approached every task with determination and an unwavering commitment to see it through to completion. These qualities not only shaped her home but also inspired those around her to appreciate the beauty of well-laid plans.

Leola was preceded in death by her husband, Earle L. Long; and her parents: Henry F. and Mathilde W. (Koch) Reinker.

Survivors include her daughter, Denise (Joe) Giesler of Melbourne, Florida; sons: Byron (Julie) Long of Gray Summit, Missouri, and Earle G. (Susan) Long of Chesterfield, Missouri; 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A private family gathering was held, and Leola will be laid to rest in the indoor mausoleum at Valhalla Cemetery with her husband, Earle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s...

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08/11/2026

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08/07/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jeannine Clontz, beloved wife, devoted friend, and remarkable individual, who left this world on July 27, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on November 18, 1954, Jeannine lived a life filled with passion, creativity, and a profound connection to the people around her.

Jeannine was a gifted gardener, finding joy in nurturing her plants and creating beautiful landscapes that brought warmth and color to her home. Music was also a significant part of her life; she spent countless hours playing the piano, filling her surroundings with melodies that resonated with love and family memories. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively, and she often spoke fondly of her cherished trip to Italy, where she embraced the culture and beauty that the country offered.

In her professional life, Jeannine was a pioneer, serving as a virtual assistant for over 20 years, before the role became popularized. Her dedication, efficiency, and commitment to her clients made her a trusted partner, and she took immense pride in her work, often going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.

Jeannine's greatest treasure was her relationship with her husband, Neil Clontz. Together, they shared countless cinematic adventures, frequently enjoying trips to the movies, where they would lose themselves in stories that sparked both laughter and reflection. Their partnership was marked by love, respect, and a deep...

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07/06/2026

June Spence Cole, beloved mother and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 1,
2026, at the age of 99. Born on May 9, 1927, June was a guiding light in the lives of those who had the
privilege of knowing her.
June was known for her warm and welcoming spirit, particularly evident...

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