December 22, 1932 – November 22, 2021

Ione Burnett was a woman who lived life on her own terms. On Monday night, November 22, 2021, when she closed her eyes for the last time, she closed the book on a life well-lived.

Ione’s life began on a farm in Spring Hill, Minnesota, on December 22, 1932. Born to Alfred and Olivia (Roelike) Winter, Ione was the fourth of eight children, and was baptized into the Catholic faith as an infant. In 1939, when Ione was seven years old, the family moved to Postville, Iowa.

Ione was educated in the Postville Community School District, graduating from Postville High School in 1950. Shortly after graduation, Ione left Postville for “the big city,” spending a short time in Denver, Colorado, before settling in St. Louis, Missouri.

Her first job in St. Louis was at Mr. Nicky’s, a swanky cocktail lounge that was known to be frequented by a who’s who of celebrated St. Louisans. She became a customer favorite, and was quickly appointed head server.

One night in 1953, Louis Burnett – a native of Webster Groves, Missouri, and a player in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league baseball system – came into Mr. Nicky’s, and the rest, as they say, was history.

Louis, also known as Red, was smitten with Ione, and they began dating, which was dangerous for interracial couples in St. Louis in the 1950’s. They shared a love of big band and jazz music, and enjoyed dancing the night away.

Before proposing, Louis secretly attended catechism and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes so that he could be baptized into the Catholic faith, and because he wanted Ione to have a church wedding. Louis attended classes taught by Monsignor Patrick Malloy, who would become a lifelong family friend.

Interracial marriage was illegal in the state of Missouri at that time, so they exchanged vows at Holy Angels Church in East St. Louis, Illinois, on September 26, 1955, Louis’ 26th birthday.

Louis and Ione settled in North St. Louis, and became longtime members of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and, later, St. Louis (New) Cathedral, now known as Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

Their union was blessed with a son, Scott; one daughter, Lisa; a second son, David; and, finally, a third son, Daniel.

Upon her last pregnancy, Ione left Mr. Nicky’s to raise her young children. In 1977, she returned to the workforce – this time, to McDonnell-Douglas, now known as Boeing.

Ione became widowed on May 30, 1989, when Louis passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness, and never remarried.

She retired from Boeing in 1998.

As a 66-year resident of North St. Louis, Ione was a lover of St. Louis City, and a supporter of its revitalization. When asked about moving, she would say, “No one is pushing me out of MY house.” She was especially pleased with female representation.

Left to mourn her memory are four children, Scott, Lisa, David, and Daniel; two grandchildren, Reginald Keith II and Kristin; Keith’s wife Ashley; two great-grandchildren, Reginald Keith III and Carter James; three surviving siblings, Carol, Gloria, and Marvin; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Per Ione’s wishes, her body was cremated, and will be buried alongside Louis at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. There will be no public memorial.

Ione‘s immediate family will celebrate her 89-year legacy, dining on her favorite ribeye steaks, and toasting with her favorite cabernet.