Geraldine R. "Gerry" Blades, age 93, of Saint Louis, Missouri passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024. She was born in Malden, MO on June 14, 1930 to the late Cleveland and Laura (nee Stafford) Reece; beloved wife of the late Thomas L. Blades Sr.; loving mother of Thomas L. (Valerie) Blades Jr.; loving grandmother of Lydia (Seth) Matlock and Grace (Carl) Azab; great grandmother of Noah Matlock, Wyatt Matlock, Everly Matlock, Everest Azab and June Azab; dear sister of Anne Medlin, Steve Reece and the late Brenda Smith and Bob Reece; and dear aunt.
At a young age Gerry loved to learn and was Valedictorian of her class of 1948. She made a career of teaching others to love learning as well, beginning in a one room school house. She later taught at Bayless Elementary for 21 years, earning outstanding teacher awards. Gerry was a beloved friend to many and a dedicated church member. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles and Jeopardy. However, she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the most.
A visitation for Gerry will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010. Funeral service will be celebrated Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial donations in Gerry's Honor may be made to Delmar Gardens Villas South staff holiday fund.
