Tracey Lynne Cartnal (nee Childers), age 64, of Florissant, MO, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 21, 2023, at DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, MO, after a long illness. She was born August 11, 1959, in Flora, IL, to Robert Wayne Childers, Sr. and Beverly Jean (Davis) Childers.

Tracey graduated from Flora High School (Flora, IL) in 1977 and attended college at Olney Central College (Olney, IL) afterwards. It was during her high school years that she met her one true love, Jeffrey Gale Cartnal. They were united in marriage on August 12, 1978, and shared 45 wedding anniversaries.

Tracey loved God and her family and devoted her life to both. She also loved children, as well as meeting people and making them feel special. She ran a daycare in her home for many years and always remembered that time with fondness and pride. She was a member of the Florissant Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star.

After developing several illnesses, she had to discontinue working, but didn’t let her disabilities define her. She used them to reach out to others with similar conditions and share her love for God. She spent many years undergoing dialysis and developed many friends there. She told everyone there that she loved them and that she could see God in them. The staff noticed this and asked her to act as a liaison between healthcare providers and patients. She helped improve the patients’ experience by providing support, guidance, and advocacy. She explained to new patients the medical procedures, addressed patient concerns, helped with communication between patients and healthcare staff, and provided emotional support. She ensured that patients feel comfortable, informed, and empowered throughout their healthcare journey. That is how she lived her life.

Tracey is survived by her husband; one son, Robert Eugene Cartnal II (Reggie) of Florissant, MO; one grandson, Philippe Louis, of Florissant; her mother, Beverly Childers of Flora, IL; 3 siblings: Edith Jo Anne (Robert) Edwards of Carrollton, VA, Laura Mae (Floyd) Ervin of Centralia, IL, and Robert Wayne (Karyn) Childers, Jr. of Estes Park, CO; one uncle, Larry Joe (Alice) Childers of Flora, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Childers, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Oscar and Laurel Childers; and maternal grandparents, Joseph and Vesta Davis.

Private family services are planned. Memorial donations are suggested to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.