Obituary of Jane Julia Edwards

Jane Julia Edwards, 84, was born on January 14, 1942 in St. Charles, MO, the daughter of Elmer W. and Bertha (Auchly) Sammelmann, Sr. She passed away Sunday morning, February 15, 2026 at Abbey Senior Health in O’Fallon, MO. Jane was a graduate of Assumption High School in O’Fallon, MO. Jane was united in marriage on May 12,1962 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, MO to John Howard Edwards. This union was blessed with four children: Michele, Dawn, Denise and Carey. After raising her children, Jane worked at Paradise Candies on Main Street in St. Charles. Most who knew her would describe her as the most selfless person they had ever met. Jane will always be remembered as someone who was constantly there for others, offering her time, her strength, and her unwavering love without hesitation. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She faithfully attended all of their sporting events, whether it meant sitting on the bleachers cheering through basketball and volleyball games or spending entire weekends at the baseball field. She was never the kind of grandma who simply watched from the sidelines—she was the one on the floor or in the sandbox playing right alongside them, laughing, encouraging, and making every moment special. She delighted in every opportunity to be with them, even being the first one ready to bundle up and go sledding just to see their smiles. Jane had a deep love for the outdoors and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She could spend an entire day on the water fishing or boating, embracing every moment, even though she never learned to swim. At home, she was known as one of the hardest workers—often up before daylight washing the car, push-mowing the lawn, or tending to her beautiful flower gardens, which reflected the same care and attention she gave to the people she loved. She also enjoyed sewing and shared that talent generously with those she loved, creating beautiful handmade ornaments and Christmas stockings for the family—keepsakes that will continue to hang each holiday season as reminders of her love. Her kindness, strength, and generous spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and selflessness that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family forever. Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Bertha Sammelmann; two sisters: Pat Hercules and Helen Cohen; and two brothers: Harold Sammelmann and Elmer Sammelmann, Jr. Jane is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, John Edwards of St. Charles, MO; their children: Michele (Barry) Schaefer of Herman, MO, Dawn Gibson of St. Charles, MO, Denise (Steve) Rathbun of St. Charles, MO, and Carey (Sarah) Edwards of Wildwood, MO; eight grandchildren: Chris (Brooke) Jaeger, Shane (Jenna) Schaefer, Brooke (Cory Bokermann) Schaefer, Austin Rathbun, Carson Rathbun, Alexis Barilla, Emerson Edwards and Parker Edwards; and four great-grandchildren: Heidi Schaefer, Miles Jaeger and Quincy & Bridget Bokermann. Jane leaves a sister-in-law, Connie Sammelmann of Mexico, MO; a brother-in-law, Lee Fruechte of California; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Join us in the celebration and remembrance of Jane at Tubby’s Pub, St Charles, MO on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (or) Shriner’s Hospital for Children in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.