St. Louis Cremation

Kathleen Huss

Kathleen “Kathy” Huss (nee Godlove), passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 5, 2018. She was the daughter of Richard H. Godlove and the late Jane F. Godlove (nee Stoutz) and the sister of Carol Godlove Duane. She was the beloved and deeply cherished mother of Andy and Jimmy Huss.

Born August 13, 1960, Kathy was a lifelong resident of St. Louis County. She graduated from Pattonville High School in 1978, and from Washington University with a business degree in 1982.

She began attending Merle Scheff School of Dance at the age of 7. She danced at Merle Scheff throughout her childhood and began teaching there part time during her high school years. She continued teaching and taking dance lessons while in college. In 1988, she became the proud owner of the Merle Scheff School of Dance, which she owned and operated for almost 30 years. Adding this to her prior time as a student/teacher, her association with the Merle Scheff School of Dance spanned more than 50 years.

Her genuine love and passion for dance and the thousands of dancers she taught through the years made her not only an exceptional dance instructor, but also a mentor and life-long role model. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives that she touched.

Over and above her impact on the lives of her students, her greatest accomplishment – and her greatest source of pride – was being mom to Andy and Jimmy. They were the center of her world and they will carry her spirit forward with them throughout their lives.


A public memorial service celebrating Kathy’s life will be held at Salem United Methodist Church on Saturday March 3rd at 12:00 PM. 1200 S Lindbergh Blvd, St Louis, MO 63131. A reception will be held following the service.

7 Comments

  1. Joan Brannigan on February 15, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    Andy and Jimmy, Richard & Carol, I was so shocked to hear of Kathy’s death. I was one of the adults in her class the Sunday night of her death and she seemed just fine. But if she had any pain, she would not have complained. She just never did. I’ve known Kathy since she taught my daughter’s many years ago and then later she taught me as I took adult tap. She was always so kind to me. She loved you two young men more than anything in the world. You were lucky to have her as your mother. She taught you well to be independent as her mother, who she also lost too early, had taught her along with your grandfather. I am so sorry you all have lost her too soon.



  2. Erica Hyman on February 15, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    Kathy was an amazing lady, and touched many lives. She taught me the roots of dance.

    This past month I started to teach for her. It felt SO GOOD to be back at Merle Scheff for the first time in 15 Years. I’m lucky to have shared some of these last memories with her.

    I will carry Kathy and what she taught me with me forever. Thank you for always making everyone feel at home. I walked in a few months ago missing dance and you openly let me start that day. It felt like Home. I know You are in a good. And I love you.



  3. Sara Ellis Davis on February 16, 2018 at 9:53 am

    With a heavy heart still in disbelief that Miss Kathy is gone. She was such a blessing and light to the dance life of my daughter Khamari who was a student from the age of 3 still to date. She was more then just a teacher she was something special to add such greatness to children. You will be missed and loved. Thank you for impacting Khamari life and mine.

    Sara, Khamari and Khalil



  4. Linda Holloway on February 17, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    In 2002 I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy while I was employed with a cleaning service. Her genuine kindness, witty sense of humor & overall character made for a quick bond. Eventually I left the cleaning service and took on the task of being her personal cleaning person for her home and business. For 15 plus years I continued working & bonding with the family. Kathy was not just an employer, she was my friend & confidante so with a heavy heart I extend my condolences to her father, sister and her boys that she loved more than life itself. OMG Im truly gonna miss her. Rest in peace Kathy; and though I never said it to you personally… I love you my friend!!



  5. Anna Reby on February 27, 2018 at 10:40 am

    I am heartbroken to hear of this news, and heartbroken that I won’t be in town to honor Kathy. What a profound impact she had on my childhood and my life, and so many others as well. I owe so much to her teaching and her dedication. She was such a wonderful human.



  6. Jennifer Covington on March 8, 2018 at 9:22 pm

    Truly heartbroken at this news of her passing. There are no words to express how much her mentorship, expertise, love, time and attention have impacted my life. She touched so many lives and her legacy lives on. May we all show up for others the way Kathy did for SO many people. No matter how old I was I always called her “Ms. Kathy” – nothing but the utmost respect and reverence for her. Sending love and prayers to her family. You will be so missed Ms. Kathy.



  7. Christina Laney on March 23, 2022 at 5:20 pm

    I remember Kathy because it’s a nice name. Her little son is so adorable, and her tapping skills are impeccable. Ballet teaches poise to young women.



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