Junette Steakley Gist, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Wentzville, MO. She was born in Houston, Arkansas on June 30, 1932.  She was preceded in death by her parents B.F. and Mamie Steakley of Lepanto, Arkansas; her 7 siblings; and her husband Harold Gist.

She is survived by her son Jon (Debbie) Wingo of Wentzville, MO; grandsons Jonathan (Ashley) Wingo of Wentzville, MO and James Wingo of Kansas City, MO; and great grandsons Jace, Jameson, Jack, and Jacob Wingo who knew her as “Grandma June.” She was loved dearly by many, including nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Junette described herself as a “child advocate.” She was passionate about educating young minds.  She began her teaching career in a rural school teaching a combined first and second grade room in Deering, Missouri before moving to Montana. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Great Falls, Montana in 1958 and taught grades 4, 5, and 6; earned her Master’s degree from Arkansas State University in 1969, and her principal’s certification from UMSL in St. Louis, Missouri.  She began her Hazelwood School district career as a reading specialist at Bonfils Elementary then became an instructional specialist at Charbonier School in 1971. In 1976, she became the Hazelwood School District’s first female elementary principal serving at Charbonier School, later becoming Lawson Elementary. She left Lawson in 1980 and finished her career retiring from Townsend Elementary as principal in 1992.  She was always an active supporter of the Hazelwood PTA Council Scholarship Run/Walk earning top fundraising awards and taking numerous 1st place trophies in her age category, the last one in 1988 at 56 years old.

Junette’s passions were family, animals, gardening, and history.  She was involved in her subdivision Garden Club and volunteered as a docent at the St. Louis Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum. She was well known for her pet sitting activities as well as her love for her songbirds.  She received many hours of peace and comfort watching and feeding her birds out on her back deck just observing the beauty of nature and reading hundreds of books about a multitude of subjects especially history.

The stories and memories of her long and successful life will be with us for many years to come. There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at St. Louis Cremation 320 Jungerman Road. St. Peters, MO 63376 from 10 am-noon, followed by a luncheon at JJ’s Restaurant 200 Fort Zumwalt Square O’Fallon MO  63366 from 12-2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal shelter of your choice.