The world lost a little bit of its sparkle on September 20th, 2026, with the passing of Paula Ann Rodgers, nee Kaup. Paula was born to the late William Joseph Kaup and the late Elizabeth Jane Knoll, nee Mc Murtrey. Paula is the loving wife of Sam Rodgers. This year they celebrated 52 years of marriage. She is the caring and devoted mother to Mary Ann Calloni (Chris) Von Feldt, the late David Paul Calloni, Samantha Renee (Matt) Merlenbach, and Sam Anthony Rodgers. Her life always centered around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Dominic, Eric, Patric Von Feldt; Jason, Cody, and Hunter Merlenbach; and Christian, Logan, and Alyssa Ann Rodgers. (Aden & Alex Merlenbach; Carter Rodgers) She was also the dear sister to the late Edwin Kaup, Ray Knoll, Josie Janis, Christine Willard, and Toni Mauch.
Paula was raised in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Bishop DuBourg High School. After raising her own 4 children, she later continued her passion for helping kids and became a bus aide for the Special School District. While working for the Special School District, she made two life-long friends, Carol Patana and Edna Leonard. Paula enjoyed listening to “oldies” music, reading novels, watching Hallmark movies, or feeding the bunnies in her backyard. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She made sure the family had a feast for any holiday or occasion and was known for many of her signature dishes from scratch.
Paula survived battling Lymphoma and the challenges of Covid. She later lost her life to Vascular dementia. There is no way of expressing our profound loss, however, we rejoice that she is with Jesus, her son, David, and other family members who have gone before her.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Wednesday, September 23 from 4-8 pm with Funeral Service time at 7:00 pm. Interment will be held in private.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Stray Rescue of St. Louis, the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
We will miss you and your kindness but know that we will all be together to laugh and enjoy each other dear sister-ln-law, someday. Henry and I will sure miss our
dates at Pietro’s with you and Sam. You are now free of pain and all the problems life throws at us. Thank you for being my maid of honor when Henry and I were married and celebrating our 25th anniversary with us. We love you. Henry & Marcella Rodgers