Barbara Lueders, 72, of St. Louis, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025.

Barb entered the world at 12:56 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 1953—an 8-pound, 4-ounce baby with brown hair and violet-blue eyes. She was baptized on July 19 of that same year at St. Louis Cathedral by Reverend Robert Corbitt, with her godparents Barbara J. Walrond and Donald V. Trab by her side. Her parents fondly remembered her sleeping through the entire service and making a funny face when the priest placed salt on her tongue.

Even from infancy, Barb was full of curiosity and life. At seven months, she could pull herself up in her crib and say “Da-da,” and by her first birthday, she surprised her family by walking unassisted. She adored her grandparents and her Aunt Dottie, whom she greeted every morning with a cheerful “Morning, Aunt Dottie!”

Barb attended St. Joseph’s Academy, where she began her lifelong calling to care for others as a volunteer candy striper. She went on to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse credential before graduating from St. Louis Jewish Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1981 as a Registered Nurse. Never one to stop learning, she continued her education and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2015.

Throughout her career, Barb dedicated herself to caring for the people of St. Louis. She served as an RN, Nursing Supervisor, and Case Manager at many local hospitals, including SSM, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Her compassion, diligence, and professionalism touched countless patients and colleagues over the years.

Even after retiring, Barb’s spirit of service never waned. In January 2025, she began volunteering at Missouri Baptist, continuing to give back to the community she had served all her life.

Barb was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Robert and Hazel Lueders, and her sister, Nancy Lueders. She is survived by her brother, George Lueders, and many cousins and dear friends, including Nick, Sweet Emily, and her special friend, Boo.

Barb loved her dogs, especially Molly and Jackson, and her heart belonged to the St. Louis Cardinals—she rarely missed a chance to cheer them on from Busch Stadium. She also found joy in traveling, exploring new places with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Barb’s life was defined by care—care for her patients, her family, her friends, and every living thing she touched. A private celebration of Barb’s life will be held with family and close friends. Her warmth and humor will be deeply missed and forever remembered.