Persis F. Oberreither

Persis French Oberreither, 68, of Florissant, Missouri, loving wife and mother, died on April 25, 2025 with her husband of 43 years, Jeffry, by her side. Born in Canton, OH, Persis was the daughter of Shirley S. French, Jr, and Persis Louise French (nee Thomas). Persis earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Miami University (Ohio) in 1978. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and served as its Newsletter Editor. After graduation, Persis moved to St. Louis to attend St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, where she earned her EMT-Paramedic certification in 1980. She worked for Christian Hospitals NE:NW as a Paramedic. More recently, Persis was employed by the City of Florissant as a Park Ranger.

After retirement, Persis wrote PINKY-SWEAR: Honoring My Daughter's Right to Die. Published in 2008, her book earned the honorable distinction of being selected for review by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2009. PINKY-SWEAR also gained public attention through the Riverfront Times, the Bereaved Parents of the USA National Newsletter, Compassion & Choices Magazine, Final Exit Newsletter, and Living With Loss Magazine.

Persis was an avid swimmer and runner. In addition to writing, she was interested in reading sacred texts and was devoted to meditation. Persis was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Des Peres, Compassion and Choices, Final Exit Network, and the Bereaved Parents of the USA. She was a former volunteer at the De Greeff Hospice House in St. Louis.

Persis is preceded in death by daughter Amy Jenness Oberreither, father Shirley S. French, Jr., mother Persis Louise French (nee Thomas), grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She is survived by husband Jeffry Oberreither of Florissant and brother Steven S. French of New Philadelphia, Ohio. A private graveside service was held at St. Paul's Churchyard on Rock Hill Road, St. Louis County.