Mary Ellen Vowell, 82, of St. Charles, Missouri, peacefully passed away in her home on January 21, 2026, surrounded by her family. Mary taught language arts for 33 years in the St. Louis Public School District and is affectionately remembered for being the go-to person whenever anyone had a grammar or writing question, as well as baking the best cheesecake ever.  She was full of grace and love for her family, and she will be greatly missed.

Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 3, 1943, to Anthony and Margaret Wichkowsky. She was raised in Herrin, Illinois, and attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where she met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Vowell.  After graduation and their marriage in 1965, they started their family and finally settled in Fenton, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It was from there that Mary began her long teaching career. After her retirement from teaching, she enjoyed spending time with her family on a full-time basis. 

Mary made trips to Arizona, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, Indiana, Hawaii, and Germany (among other places) to visit her kids and grandchildren. She was always excited to see new places and to spend time with her family. Her last trip was to a granddaughter’s wedding in Oregon in September of 2025.  

She is survived by Dick, her husband of over 60 years, of St. Charles, and her sister Shirley Rogers of Benton, IL. She is also survived by her children Terry (Lisa) Vowell of Fenton, MO, Jackie (Keith) Gudehus of Edina, MO, and Kathy (Paul) Hadreas of St. Charles. Her grandchildren are Casey (Denis) Seiglie of Affton, MO, Natalie (Brent) Bohan of Seattle, WA, Amy Gudehus of Edina, MO, and Zoe Gudehus of Independence, MO. Mary was blessed to meet two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Sam Seiglie, before she left this world. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant child, Elizabeth, brothers Rusty, Gene, Eddie, Bobby, Phil, and her sister Lorrie. 

Mary will always be remembered for her soft voice and kind personality, which belied an amazing toughness and determination. Her departure will leave a large hole in her family, but she built a foundation of love and memories that will live forever. The family will host a celebration of life at a time that is yet to be determined