Claudia (Cee Cee) Sarber died peacefully at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mexico, Missouri, February 2021 at the age of 80 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Scott Sarber, and her sisters, Barbara and Lucille.

Claudia is survived by her daughter, Heather Adelson, son-in-law, Scott Adelson, and grandchildren, Margaret and Blake Adelson.

Born in Ironton, Missouri to Edwin and Margaret Codding, Claudia attended Ironton Public Schools and graduated from Ironton Public High School in 1958, and became a nurse’s aide at St. Mary’s Hospital in Ironton. Shortly after, Claudia attended nursing school at St. Luke’s Nursing School in St. Louis, Missouri, then moved to Kansas City to become a hospital nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital.

In 1965, Claudia accepted a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force Nursing Corp and was posted to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Claudia retired from the Air Force with the rank of Captain and returned to St. Louis. She worked as a Recovery Room nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, and during the next few years finished her Bachelor of Science Degree.

In 1978, Claudia met Scott Sarber and they were married a year later. At that time Claudia became a hospice nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, where she finished her nursing career.

Claudia’s faith in God and her deep spiritual beliefs provided much strength and support for her throughout life. She was an active member in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ironton, Missouri as a young person, and continued to worship in the Episcopal Church as an adult.

All who knew Claudia realized she possessed true “joie de vivre.” She was enthusiastic, often “followed the beat of a different drummer,” and could be described as “happy go lucky” in life. Nothing seemed to destroy Claudia’s spirit, despite all the hardships she endured in her life. Claudia never met anyone she didn’t like and collected many friends throughout her life. She was devoted to her family and deeply loved each and every one of them.

In Claudia’s words, found in an autobiography she was writing before she died:

“From a shy young girl, to a mature, wise woman.”

Claudia loved the symbol of the butterfly because she believed in rebirth and transformation, which the butterfly represented for her. Her room at the VA Home was covered in butterflies to remind her of growth and evolution in her own life. Claudia has bravely made the transformation to the life beyond. Be at peace dear Claudia and fly with the butterflies. You will be so missed.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Mexico Missouri Veteran’s Home for taking such good care of Cee Cee during her stay. She loved all of you and cherished her time there. We are grateful to each and every one of you.

The memorial service is planned for a date to be determined and will take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ironton, Missouri, early Fall 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Claudia’s name at the Independence Center Clubhouse, 4245 Forest Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 (314-533-4245) or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 106 Knob Street, Ironton, MO 63650.