Barbara Ann Echele

Barbara Ann Echele (nee Luesse), of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at the age of 78. Beloved wife of 60 years to Clemence "Clem" Echele, Jr.; cherished daughter of the late Lawrence (Jane) Luesse and the late Rosemary Rushlow; devoted mother of Larry (Annette) Echele, Dianna (Mark) Knobbe, and Keith (Jenny) Echele; loving grandmother of Abbey (Kevin) Arrow, Emily (Austin Klackner) Echele, Elizabeth (Ethan) Blase, Nick (Jessica) Knobbe, Meredith (Matt) Burgess, Avery Echele, Sophia Voss, and Mikai Voss; and treasured great grandmother of Natalie, Noah, Waylon, and June. Barbara was also preceded in death by her dear siblings, three sisters, Connie Connor, Karen "Smokie" (Alan) Burckhardt, Candace "Candy" VanBrocklin, her brother, Lawrence "Lonnie" (Pam) Luesse, and brother-in-law, Donald "Giz" (Terri Mund) Echele. 

Barbara cherished watching Cardinals baseball, reading, fishing, going to the lake, and spending time with her family and friends. She loved traveling and vacationing with her family, always showing kindness and unwavering support to her husband and his activities. Barbara had many lifelong friends from Portage and made many more wonderful new friends after moving to St. Charles. She adored her kids and grandkids, never missing a birthday, and delighted in singing "Happy Birthday" to each of them every year. Hosting family events and decorating for holidays brought her joy, and she always had a Santa bag with extra presents for the kids. She treasured moments spent cooking and baking cookies and deeply appreciated the caregivers who looked after her the last couple years. Barbara was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. 

Memorials may be made in Barbara's name to Parkinson's Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, St. Croix Hospice (3701 N St. Peters Parkway, Suite B2, St. Peters, MO 63376)