Barbara Ann Fuchs (nee Lueke), 84, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026. She has been reunited in eternal rest with her daughter, Jennifer Ann, and her parents.
Born in St. Louis on December 26, 1941, to Robert and Mildred Lueke, Barbara was the middle of three children. A 1959 graduate of Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, she was known for her exceptional dedication, notably earning a perfect attendance award for four years without a single tardy or absence. In her youth, she was an active member of Unity Christ Church and a spirited participant in various school sports and activities.
A striking redhead with a vivacious personality, Barbara married George “Dutch” Fuchs, Jr. at age 25. She embraced her role as a stepmother to his seven children—Caryn, Keith, Joe, Mike, Ken, Pam, and Laurie—and managed the family’s South County home for over 50 years. Barbara was a devoted mother to her daughters, Jennifer Ann (born 1970) and Stephanie Ann (born 1976). Known fondly by friends as “the Girls,” the three shared an unbreakable bond of love and laughter.
Barbara was an accomplished competitive bowler who participated in multiple weekly leagues and tournaments throughout the Midwest for decades. Committed to her community, she volunteered extensively at Missouri Baptist Hospital, eventually serving as Auxiliary President and leading numerous annual fundraisers. Her professional career included roles in real estate with Coldwell Banker and customer service positions with Drury Hotels and Reliv International. In 2020, she retired to Columbia, MO, to be closer to her cherished grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Fuchs (Andrew Shive); grandchildren, Garrett and Natasha Fennewald; step-children, Caryn Moore, Joe Fuchs, Mike (Sue) Fuchs, Ken (Carol) Fuchs, and Laurie (Wayne) Lacey and their families; sister, Jackie; nieces, Veronica, Sandy, and Lynn, cousin Don Lueke of Kansas City; lifelong friends, Rose Twillmann and Linda Barbaglia and a community of dear friends who shared laughter and joy with Barbara.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Ann, and step-children, Keith and Pam.
“Ready at heart, ready at hand, the best-natured girl in all the land.”
Visitation will be held Friday, February 6 from 4-7 pm. Kutis Funeral Home in Affton, 10151 Gravois, St. Louis 63123. Interment at St. Paul Churchyard Cemetery will be held in private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the March of Dimes.