Claire Helen Applewhite, 70, passed away on November 15, 2025 at the St. Louis de Greeff Hospice House. She was the wife of Dr. Thomas Applewhite. They shared fifty years of marriage together.
Born in St. Louis, she was the daughter of Donald and LaVerna Krieg. She attended Cor Jesu for high school and Saint Louis University for college and her Masters of Business Administration. She was previously employed as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service. Mrs. Applewhite was well known as the author of six mystery novels. She was also a staff songwriter for Big Fish Music.
She was a former President of the Friends of Birthright and the Missouri Writers Guild. She instituted the Voices of Excellence program at Loyola Academy, for which she published an instructional textbook. She was celebrated for her Voices of Excellence program by the St. Louis Women of Achievement.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas A. Applewhite, and her children, Dr. Bonnie Applewhite, Thomas R. Applewhite, and Timothy Applewhite. She was a loving grandmother to Hadessa, Tommy, Ruth and Victor.
The funeral service will be held on November 20th at 10:00 am at St. Anselm Catholic Church with interment at Resurrection Cemetery. The visitation will be held on November 19th from 3:00 pm to 8:00pm at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton location (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123).
Memorial donations may be made to Birthright Counseling of St. Louis.
Claire was a dear friend to her Cor Jesu classmates and a talented woman who dedicated her life to her family and to helping others. I admired her for her talents, her accomplishments, her kindness, and her courage, and she will be deeply missed by all of us who loved her.
My deepest and sincerest condolences for you and your family. Claire was such a wonderful person! We will forever remember and love her!
Love katie corder ward
Claire was a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was an incredibly kind person and dear friend. She was tremendously talented and accomplished and an inspiration to so many. We admire and cherish her so much.
Our sincere condolences are extended to Claire‘s loving family and all of her many friends. May God comfort you with the knowledge that she is at peace with Jesus and is no longer suffering.
Claire will always have a special place in our hearts!
Love,
Collins and Trish Corder
Deepest sympathies from me to your Beautiful family. I’m glad I got to serve her lunch at Neimans’s. Enjoyed her and her family .it was my pleasure to take care of you all. May God give you peace and comfort during these times. And watch over all of you. Take care and stay strong. Please come see me sometime. Love,Buffy
Claire was a wonderful Mother, wife grandmother and friend. I loved our annual conversations and her wonderful spirit.
She will be missed by all.
Claire was a long time volunteer and supporter of Birthright Counseling, St. Louis. She served as President of the Friends of Birthright, the fundraising arm of the organization. Claire was beautiful inside and out.
She was a remarkable woman. We are blessed to have known her.
Birthright Counseling, St. Louis
Claire was a very special person and active valued Women of Achievement.
She will be missed.
Nanci Bobrow
Tom,
My condolences on Claire’s passing.
Marty Bell
I am so sorry to hear of Claire’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Please give everyone my condolences.