Retha Edens Meier (née Matthews)
Retha Edens Meier, 71, lived a life distinguished by intellectual curiosity, dedication to education, scientific discovery, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. She was a university professor, botanical researcher, published author, and passionate nature photographer whose desire to learn and explore continued throughout her life.
Retha began her academic journey studying biology at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Following graduation, she was hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to work in crime scene investigation in Joliet, Illinois, where she applied her scientific training in support of criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Her passion for science led her to pursue a PhD at Saint Louis University (SLU). She subsequently joined the university faculty, teaching science to students preparing for careers in education. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge and encouraging future teachers to develop an appreciation for science and the natural world.
Beyond the classroom, Retha devoted her summers to botanical exploration and research, specializing in pollination biology and the relationships between plants and their pollinators. With support from a National Geographic grant, she traveled to Australia to study rare orchids and their pollination mechanisms. This research culminated in the publication of Darwin’s Orchids Then and Now, co-authored with Peter Bernhardt. Closer to home, she studied rare orchids native to Missouri and Tennessee, as well as milkweed pollination. Her work resulted in numerous scientific articles contributing to botanical knowledge.
Retirement did not bring an end to Retha’s scientific pursuits. She developed a particular passion for nature photography, focusing on plants and the insects that visited them. She especially enjoyed capturing flowers and their pollinators together, documenting the intricate relationships that had fascinated her throughout her research career. As a member of the St. Louis Camera Club, she enjoyed learning from fellow photographers, sharing her work, and competing for photography awards.
Her curiosity also led her to participate in additional research into bees and their reproductive behaviors. Working with Saint Louis University scientists and a retired bee expert, she helped investigate and authenticate findings intended for an upcoming technical scientific paper. Even in retirement, she remained actively engaged in scientific discovery.
Retha was an independent thinker who carefully formed her opinions and was not hesitant to stand by them. She believed in supporting her positions with facts and thoughtful reasoning rather than confrontation. She also had a warm, engaging personality and a special way of welcoming new acquaintances through friendly banter and genuine questions. She made a point of learning people’s names and frequently using them in conversation. These thoughtful gestures made people feel recognized and welcomed, leaving a lasting impression on those she met.
Retha is survived by her husband of 19 years, Larry Meier, and her two sons, Jared Edens and Jacob Edens.
Retha spent her life looking closely at the world around her. Whether through teaching, scientific research, writing, or photography, she found meaning in understanding the details others might overlook. Her legacy lives on in the students she taught, the scientific knowledge she helped advance, the publications she left behind, the photographs she captured, and the many lives she touched.
A Visitation Celebrating a remarkable womans life will be held at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. on Wednesday, November 11, from 4-8 p.m. and in her hometown of Fredericktown, Missouri. Details will be announced when arrangements are finalized.