Lou Erma Skinner

Lou Erma Skinner, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Weldon Spring, Missouri. Born on February 18, 1934, in Corning, Arkansas, Lou Erma lived a life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family.

Lou Erma's professional journey was as colorful as her life, encompassing a variety of roles that reflected her generous spirit and dedication. She was proud to work for Ozark Airlines, a position that swept her into the vibrant city of St. Louis, where she met the love of her life, M. Ronald Skinner. Together, they embraced entrepreneurship, becoming the owners of Dan Dee Donuts, and are fondly remembered for their shared adventure in business. However, among all her careers, her role as Secretary of Overseas Ministries of Child Evangelism Fellowship in Warrenton held a special place in her heart, a testament to her deep faith and commitment to service.

Her life's journey as a loving wife and mother was filled with cherished memories. Lou Erma helped her husband through seminary and supported him in pastorship through several ministries in Memphis and Kansas City, embodying the essence of support and love. She took immense pride in being a mother, a role she treasured above all else, nurturing her children with kindness and wisdom. Lou Erma’s legacy lives on through her loving children: Stephen Bruce (Cris) Skinner, Lynden Paul (Susan) Skinner, Dale Bryan (Shelia) Skinner, and Lorie Faye (Michael) Ott.

Lou Erma’s family continued to flourish with the laughter and joy of her grandchildren: Sherry (Rick) Shannon, Tasha (Rodney) Mueller, Nathan (Paula) Skinner, Chelsea Bomba, Ryan (Jessica) Skinner, Emily Skinner, Mikah (Jessica) Wilkerson, Logan (Taylor) Skinner, Julie (Dustin) Reed, Aaron Polston, Amanda (Connor) Porteous, and Lora Hite. Her heart swelled with pride as her family grew to include her great grandchildren, Ashley (Brandon) Marks, Katie (Dean) McGuire, Melanie (Zac) Boehmer, Ricky (Emmalee) Shannon, Jack (Kristen) Shannon, Gabriella Mueller, Grace Mueller, Peyton Wiley, Jonah Wilkerson, Harper Wilkerson, Asher Wilkerson, Silas Wilkerson, Emmett Wilkerson, Parker Skinner, Adalyne Hines, Lakota Reed, Cadence Reed, Katelynn Reed, Dustin Reed, Olivia Reed, Anderson Ott, Ashton Ott, Finn Porteous, and her great great grandchildren, Colton Marks, Allison Marks, Henry Marks, Brianna Marks, Evelyn McGuire, Connor McGuire, Kaitlyn McGuire, Madelyn McGuire, Natalie Boehmer, Jessica Boehmer, Austin Boehmer, Lillian Shannon, Elizabeth Shannon, and Cassidy Shannon, filling her life with joyful noise and unconditional love.

Lou Erma was a member of the Joy (Just Older Youth) Group in her church, First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, where she found great fulfillment in community and service. Lou Erma loved attending church, movies, and plays, and she relished traveling to visit her sons and their families across the globe as they served in the military.

A humble and generous soul, Lou Erma embodied a life of simplicity and grace, teaching her family by example the beauty of being content with what one has. Her strength and unwavering faith left a profound impact on all who knew her.

Lou Erma was predeceased by her beloved husband Ronald Skinner, her daughter Lou Ronna Richardson, her infant son, Gary Wayne Skinner, her grandson Daniel Richardson, her parents Cratis and Nellie Rapert, and her siblings Ila Irene Rawlings, Norman Noel Rapert, and Paul Deward Rapert.

As we come together to honor the incredible life of Lou Erma Skinner, we celebrate not only her legacy but also the love she so freely gave. Visitation services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in St. Peters from 4 PM to 8 PM on December 19, 2025, and again from 10 AM to 10:30 AM on December 20, 2025, followed by a funeral service at the same location. She will be laid to rest during a graveside service at Hawk Point Cemetery in Hawk Point, Missouri, at 12:30 PM on December 20, 2025.

Lou Erma’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family, and her memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, should you prefer, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation to the Evertrue Breeze Park Benevolent Care Fund in Lou Erma's honor.