Shirley Mae Updegraff

Shirley Mae Updegraff, a remarkable woman whose laughter could light up the darkest of days, passed away peacefully at her home in St. Peters on January 12, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 25, 1937, in Naylor, Missouri, Shirley brought joy and warmth to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Shirley was known for her fun-loving spirit, sassy personality, and great sense of humor. She had an infectious zest for life, always wanting to enjoy herself and share that joy with others. Her passions included watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, a love that brought her closer to family and friends alike. The thrill of the game danced alongside her other joys, such as quilting, candy-making, and playing cards, activities that showcased her creativity and the delight she found in those small moments of life. Most importantly, she cherished the time spent with her family, forming bonds that will carry her memory forward.

Her legacy lives on in her loving children: Charles (Christianne) Updegraff, Deborah Twyford, Nancy Akers, and Donna (Jeffrey) Schmitz. Each of her fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren will forever hold dear the memories of their cherished encounters with Shirley, ensuring that her spirit will continue to thrive in their hearts.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Gertrude Johnson, and her seven siblings, whose absence she felt dearly but whose memories remained etched in her heart. Although they are no longer with her, they welcomed her into their arms with love, creating a reunion filled with warmth and laughter that she so richly deserved.

Friends and family are invited to join together to celebrate Shirley’s life at Newcomer Funeral Home in St. Peters. The visitation will be held on January 24, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. A funeral service honoring her life will follow, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Finally, family and friends will gather at St. Charles Memorial Gardens for a graveside service at 2:00 PM, to bid farewell to this incredible woman who brightened the lives of so many.

Shirley Mae Updegraff’s spirit will live on in the cherished memories she created, a testament to a life well-loved and well-lived. Though she may have departed from this world, her legacy of laughter, love, and warmth will forever be woven into the fabric of those who knew her.