Ruth Marilyn Fechter (née Norling), 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Beloved wife of the late John Fechter, devoted mother of John (Susan) Fechter, Jeff Fechter and Sally (Dave) Stevens; cherished grandmother of Eric (Jessica) Fechter, Lauren (Jeremiah) Bates, Anne Fechter-Garlich, Caroline Johnston, Jack (Rachel) Fechter, Katie (Matt) Bange, Kerry (Greg) Wildman, Jacob (Courtney) Cole and Jessica (James) Struthers; loving great grandmother of Cole, Luke, Ella, Carter, Foster, Amelia, Kendall, Connor, Claire, Gibson, Perry, Jameson, Sloan, Madison, Christopher, Jack, Theo and Dottie; sister of the late Lois (Sterling) Price.

Born in on April 8th, 1930 to her parents Leland and Olive Norling, Ruth grew up in St. Louis, where she met her husband, and raised a family. A loving wife and mother, she found great joy in the arrival of each one of her nine grandchildren, and in turn, eighteen great-grandchildren.

Known for decades of good cooking, her tradition of welcoming family for gatherings and great meals for birthdays, graduations, and holidays continue with the next generations. A dear aunt and friend to many, she cherished her surprise 90th birthday parade given by her grandkids, and her 95th birthday party, where people came from near and far to celebrate her.

She loved traveling with friends and family to Wyoming and Montana, but especially enjoyed regular trips to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado with her husband "Jack." Ocean trips to FL were also on the family agenda. Ruth always loved the outdoors, nature, animals, and she was fond of watching wildlife at the edge of her backyard.

Ruth took up tennis as an adult and became an avid doubles player. Her talents also included painting water colors and beautiful hand-painted plates. Her artistic flair showed in her home decor and a love of antiques, which along with her furniture refinishing skill, led her to open an antiques boutique in Chesterfield.

A big Mizzou Tigers fan, one of her favorite activities was visiting Columbia, MO with her husband to see her team and most of all, to see her kids, who were attending Mizzou. Grandkids and great-grandkids have continued the tradition.

For Ruth, her love, devotion, and care centered on her family. She will be missed by all.

Services: Graveside service at St. John's Cemetery, 1293 St. Cyr Rd. (63136) Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.