With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our mother, Carol Ann Schneiderhahn (nee’ Bannes) who went to join her angels in the early morning hours of September 3, 2026. A generous woman of peace, insight, and wit; her absence will be felt deeply as we remember her presence of warmth and comfort.
A “boy mom” before the term evolved, she brought a calm and firm presence to raise two boys to be men. She was a compassionate mother to her sons Jim and Matt; a gracious grandmother to Gage, Maxx, and Kara (Marco); a devoted partner to the late Ed; a kind sister to the late Lorry (Debbie, late Janet) Mary Louise (late Harold and late Mel), Kathy (late Ken); and late Jane (late Charlie); a beautiful aunt to countless nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. And a true friend to many.
A “country” girl from South County in St Louis, she was the baby sister of five. A first job babysitting her nieces and nephews of her oldest siblings was followed by busing to downtown St Louis for her first job in a law office. The legal / government profession would be a recurring theme of her professional life. After 10 years as a housewife, she re-entered the work force, this time as a single mother, and continually worked to better herself. Carol attended night school and received her associates degree, while balancing the responsibilities of raising her two boys. She took a position in the public works department at the city of Crestwood, and a few years later, she applied for and received the promotion to the position of City Clerk. She would proceed to spend over twenty years as City Clerk of Crestwood and happily retired in 2004.
She filled her days in retirement spending quality time and the occasional day or weekend trip with her beloved partner, Ed. An avid St. Louis Cardinal and Blues fan, Carol also cheered for Notre Dame, Mizzou, or any team her son was coaching. Not one to just watch, she enjoyed a round of golf and took countless adventures to visit family and friends throughout the United States. Of particular delight, she enjoyed any activity her grandchildren were involved in from building Lego’s, playing board games, or watching choir performances. An avid learner and lover of books throughout her life, there was always a tome within arm’s reach. Trips to the library were frequent in the household, eventually they included Barnes and Noble or Borders. The reading of many subjects brought wisdom, insight, and knowledge far beyond the borders of St Louis County.
In her quieter moments, she fueled her soul and spirit with her angel cards and prayers. These brought her guidance, solace, and peace in both times of storms, as well as in moments of harmony. She asked for guidance not just for herself, but others within her sphere in need of divine assistance. Being in Carol’s presence was a warm hug to all that entered her space. Her intuition, insight, and peacefulness would bring clarity to any uncertainty to those around her. She gave advice in the same understated, but powerful way that was authentic to her. She believed that each and everyone of us had countless angels to teach us and help us on our way. This spirituality strengthened her and carried her until she left us to join them.
Always a writer, she filled notebooks, notepads, post-its, margins with her observations on life, her biography, inspirational quotes, or just quick blurbs from her favorite authors. In conversation her stories evolved into grand compositions, with tangents and subplots, that may or may not come back to the main point. Even her grocery lists took on a prose that just listing milk, eggs, and bread wouldn’t do. Notes found around her house gave a quick idea of what was on her mind at any given moment. Always in a constant state of rearranging and organizing, there was always something to prepare for and get ready.
Her wit was sharp and came seemingly when least expected. Countless times she delighted in the comedy of life and what it brought to us. Whether it was the incorrect costuming of Santa or the silliness of a favorite movie or tv show, she loved to laugh. She delighted in Christmas or birthday gifts that were silly and off beat so everyone could laugh. Cards with checks in them always included the instruction “Have Fun!”, reminding the recipient that life was, after all, about enjoying it.
Carol inherited the love of raising plants and flowers from her mother. Quiet days were filled with opportunities to get out and prune, water, and feed her plants around the house. When hip surgery paused this activity, it was one of the first things on the list of things to do once she was mobile again. The plants around her house continue to be a priority.
She did not just nurture and raise flowers and plants. Not one to be the center of attention, she preferred the quiet joy of helping others attain that spotlight. Carol brought a quiet yet immense grace to everything she did, to every space she entered, every word she uttered, and every life she touched. She was the peaceful presence behind those she loved and cared for, giving support when needed most. Her strong independent streak blended perfectly with her want to help others attain the best of themselves. She valued hers and others alone time, but always looked forward to gatherings of family, friends, and other loved ones. Whether it was the Bannes Christmas party, City of Crestwood outings to Cardinal games, sibling lunches, bunko nights with neighbors, weddings, graduations, or just the simple Thanksgiving brunch, for Carol it was about sharing those moments with the people she loved.
We miss Carol with all our hearts, but she left us with gifts of peace, laughter, independence, silliness, spirituality, and authenticity. Those gifts and others reside in her children, grandchildren, and everyone she touched in her almost 82 years on this earth. Her resilience, faith, and quiet presence will never leave us as we continue down our own paths. She was a strong believer in stories and firm that each and everyone of us has our own journey. She has provided a strong roadmap that will continue to help us on our way as we face everyday challenges, the good, and the bad. We will carry the lessons and follow her guidance, but most of all, we will remember to Have Fun.
Carol will be interred with her mother and father at Resurrection Cemetery in a family only ceremony, on November 14, followed by a Celebration of Life at Bartolino’s South from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. Dress casual. Friends are welcome.