Sonya Sue “Susie” Sternfels (nee Burns) passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of family, at the age of 90. Susie was born on December 6, 1935, in Saint Louis, MO to Coy B. and Mildred E. Burns.
She was a charter member of South County Baptist Church, and in her youth, Tower Grove Baptist Church. She grew up in the church where she met many life-long friends.
Later in life Susie enjoyed traveling with friends, her long-time membership in her Garden Club, reading (and trips to Barnes & Noble), cross-stitching, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was especially proud of her family.
Preceded in death by her father, Coy B. Burns and mother, Mildred E. Burns, husbands Arthur F. Sternfels (d. 2020), Bernard “Ben” Lehnig (d.1986), and Gene E. Wheatley (d.2011). Dear mother of Mark (Laura) Wheatley, daughter Kim (Don) Kalista, and daughter Kris Scott. Loving grandmother of Scott (Kristin) Wheatley, Ryan (Jill) Wheatley, Donald (Leigh) Kalista and Brandon (Lyndsay) Kalista; proud great-grandmother to Cally, Mackenzie, Dominic, Wyatt, Silas, Owen, Madelyn, Cash, Alice, Kitty and Logan, cousin and friend to many.
Services: Funeral at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd on Tuesday, September 29, 10 a.m. Burial Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation, Monday, September 28, 4-7 p.m.