Dera Mae O’Linda Rehmeier (nee Paul) was born on May 23, 1934 in New Melle and passed from this earthly life to her heavenly home on January 28, having lived 89+ years. She is survived by one brother, Burton Paul of New Melle; two sons, Rick (Benita) Rehmeier, and Dean (Mary) Rehmeier, all of Augusta; two daughters, Faye (Andrew) Fairchild of Benton City, and Sara (Curt) Fellhoelter, of Deepwater; ten grandchildren: Eric (Anita), Nick (Whitney), Brian (Becky) and Justin (Kelly) Rehmeier; Amy (Nick) Barron; Adam (Julia), Aaron and Anthony Fairchild; Levi (Jaina) and Lana Fellhoelter; thirteen great-grandchildren: Keegan, Hunter, Ryleigh, Jack, Emma, Allison, Anderson & Remi Rehmeier; Lane & Nash Barron; Kasen & Konner Fairchild, Braydon Wheatly; one former sister-in-law Linda Paul (nee Smith) of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. Dera Mae was proceeded in death by her husband, Layton Walter Rehmeier; her parents, Edwin and Meta Paul (nee Prior), her parents-in-law Edward and Clara Rehmeier (nee Joerling); her brothers Lelen and Roger (Dickey) Paul; her sisters Eunice Thiemann and Vivian Joerling; two brothers-in-law Vernon Thiemann and Clarence (Pete) Joerling and one sister-in-law Marilyn Lutz; a nephew Steve Paul; two nieces Ronae Muschany (nee Joerling) and Donna Paul (nee Evans).
Dera Mae was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a long-time member of the Femme Osage United Church of Christ. In her younger years Dera Mae was a tremendous athlete, both basketball and softball. She played for the AT&T Long Lines softball team out of St. Louis, prior to marrying Layton Rehmeier on October 15, 1955. During her years on the farm, she kept a huge garden and was an excellent cook, as she prepared numerous meals for her family and hired hands every day.
She was also an active member of the local and state Pork Producers and Porkettes, having served as President of the St. Charles County Porkettes. In her spare time, Dera Mae enjoyed playing bingo, bunco and pinochle. However, her greatest pleasure was being a part of her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives and watching their many activities and cheering them on from the sidelines.
Dera Mae was a friend to all who engaged with her. She always gave those she knew a warm smile and cared deeply for her many close friends and family. All who knew Dera Mae were blessed and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
To Dera Mae’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren you could ask for no greater role model to follow in terms of how to love, support and cherish your family. Dera Mae has given each of us a great example and wonderful memories of how to live your life.
