Delores Aytes

Delores Mae Aytes (nee Rethemeyer), of Saint Peters, MO, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 92. Beloved wife of the late Donald Lee Aytes; cherished daughter of the late Harry and Thelma Rethemeyer. Devoted mother of Michael (Linda) Aytes, Susan (Michael Mueller) Palmer, and Steve (Dorice) Aytes; loving grandmother of Kim Aytes, David Aytes, Michael (Evangeline) Palmer, Andrew Palmer, Brandi (David) Hines, Jeff (Tina Bufford) Palmer, Samantha Aytes, and Jessica Melchor; treasured great-Grandmother of Addison Palmer, Gavin Palmer, Declan Palmer, and Vivian Palmer. Preceded in death by her two sisters, Doris Jane (the late Pete) Schweer and Shirley (John) Scego. 

Delores was born in Owensville, MO and graduated as valedictorian from high school in Herman, MO. Delores and Donald were married nearly 70 years. They spent many years living in Woodson Terrace, MO and moved to St. Peters, MO in 1983. Delores was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church of the Shepherd, where she actively participated in the Methodist Women’s Club. Delores and Donald delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and volunteered at the Senior Center and at events at the St. Peters RecPlex. Delores loved the mountains (although she was afraid of heights). Delores had a passion for travel and explored destinations such as Alaska, Sweden, Russia, Thailand, and beyond. 

Delores was deeply supported by her close friends, Mary Evans and Anita Holt, who faithfully took turns calling her every day when she moved to assisted living. Known for her kindness and thoughtfulness, Delores was cherished by everyone who knew her. 

Delores was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. 

Memorials may be made in Delores' name to SmileTrain (https://www.smiletrain.org/).