Barbara Lueders
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.
A exceptional nurse and cared about what was right. Barb was a great co-worker and friend. She will be missed.
I am heartbroken for the loss of Barb. She was a wonderful friend that I loved going to Cardinal games with. I am so sorry for your loss George, Nick, and Emily. Peace be with you.
A very caring nurse and enjoyable person. Will remember her in prayer.
I am saddened at hearing the unfortunate news of Barb making her transition from life. She was an absolute joy to work with, indeed she displayed a selfless heart and soul. I will sincerely miss her presence and I am praying for George, Nick, Emily as well as the loved one’s and friends she left behind. Rest peacefully Barb, you have gracefully completed your assignment here on earth.
Barber’s was kind, had the pleasure of working with her in home care. May she rest in peace after being a Great Nurse!
So very sorry to hear this! I crossed paths with Barb many times in our careers at Jewish Hospital and BJH. It was great to see her at the Jewish Hospital reunion in October 2024. May you rest in peace, Barb. 🙏
Barb and I were work Besties at SSM Homecare. She was a phenomenal Nurse. Her smile was infectious and she had a heart of Gold. I will cherish all the time we spent. 💐
I was deeply saddened to learn of Barb’s passing. Although we never met in person, we were closely connected through work. I served as the dedicated CM for Cigna to Barnes for close to 20 years, and Barb and I spoke almost every day. Over that time, I came to admire her greatly. She was always kind, steady, and a true pleasure to work with.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. She will be deeply missed.
Barb and her brother, George, crossed my path recently when they graciously offered my dad (who was recently paralyzed) their handicap accessible van for our transportation needs. They were introduced to me by a mutual friend. Barb came to our home and met my parents. We spoke several times throughout the past two years. Barb was always so compassionate and caring. She wanted to help me in anyway that she could in finding care for my father. She was definitely put on this earth to do God’s work and she carried out her mission. My sincere condolences to George, her family and friends.