Obituary of Brigitte Ellen Steavenson

Funeral Services for Brigitte Ellen Steavenson of Elsberry, MO will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2018 at the First Christian Church in Elsberry, MO.  Rev. Karla Cunningham and Rev. Kris Hagemeier, will officiate with burial in the Elsberry City Cemetery near Elsberry.  Serving as pallbearers will be John Parr, Nick Painter, Ben Painter, Will Painter, Marc Painter, Sam Painter, Blake Painter and Adam Painter.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Cordsiemon, Michael Parker, Ken Bowser, Steve Spezia, John Cheek, Billy Collins, Les Strader, Lowell Dunlap, Wayne Lovelace and Bobby Green.
 

Brigitte, 60, passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 30, 2018 at her home near Elsberry.  Born July 27, 1957 in St. Charles, MO, she was the daughter of James Howard and Nona Faye Langston Painter.  Brigitte was a 1975 graduate of Winfield High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and received College Prep Honors.  Brigitte attended Freshman year at Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO.   Brigitte was united in marriage on July 31, 1976 in Elsberry to Hugh Keeling “Duck” Steavenson.  She then transferred to St. Charles Community College in O’Fallon, MO, where she graduated with honors in 1979 with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Psychology.  Brigitte was also named to the list “Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges.”  Brigitte was a member of the O’Fallon Ladies’ Bowling League from 1976-2006.

Brigitte joined the Elsberry First Christian Church in 1976 where she remained active, as her health allowed, until the time of her death.  Participating in various aspects, Brigitte served as the Kids for Christ co-director for 15 years, Youth Choir Assistant Director for 10 years, served on the Sociability Committee, Historical Committee, and taught Sunday School and Bible School for a number of years.  She helped established and served on the board of the Mary Keeling Steavenson Relief Fund.
 

Duck and Brigitte were blessed with two children: Kyle and Kera.  A loving and devoted mother, Brigitte served as a room mother at Clarence Cannon Elementary School for 9 years.  She was a proud member of the EHS Music Boosters and EHS Athletic Boosters; and served as the EHS Academic Team Assistant Coach and the EHS Speech and Drama Assistant Coach and Judge for 10 years.  Also supporting the Winfield Community, Brigitte was the Founder and Co-President of the Winfield Alumni Association, Co-Chair of the Annual WHS Alumni Association Women’s Scholarship Fundraiser Luncheon; and Chair of the WHS Alumni Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall Float.
 

Brigitte was the founder of the Elsberry Classic Car Cruise and served as a chairperson for 10 years.  Proceeds from this event were used to purchase Holiday decorations for the Elsberry Christmas lights.  Brigitte was a member of the Sun Valley Ladies and Couples Golf League for 15 years and taught the youth league for 3 years.  Brigitte was the tournament coordinator for Sun Valley Golf Course for a number of years.  Other notable activities Brigitte participated in include: her memberships in P.E.O, Chapter AI, DOM and ALA; and serving as a Lincoln County Supervisory Election Judge for 25 years.
 

Brigitte owned and operated Countryside Catering for 16 years.  Over the years, Brigitte worked in every department at Forrest Keeling Nursery before the family sold the business in 2006.

Brigitte was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Hugh and Mary Keeling Steavenson; and nephew, Joseph Steavenson Wayman.
 

Survivors include her beloved husband of nearly 42 years, Hugh K. “Duck” Steavenson of Elsberry; their children: Kyle Adam Steavenson of Wright City, MO and Kera Julianne Keeling Mashek and her husband, Floyd, of Kansas City, MO; and one grandson, Drake Vaughn Mashek.  Brigitte also leaves her parents: Jim and Nona Painter of O’Fallon, MO; her brother, Craig Steven Painter and his wife, Jennifer Jo, of St. Peters, MO; her sister-in-law, Julianne “Julie” Wayman and her husband, Joe, of Elsberry; many other relatives and numerous friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2018 at the First Christian Church in Elsberry.  Memorials may be made to the Mary K. Steavenson Relief Fund (or) The American Cancer Society in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.