Sylvia Yleeta Schermesser (nee Collins) passed away July 14, 2024 at the age of 91. Born January 23, 1933 to the late William F. and India Collins.
Sylvia was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, sibling, daughter, friend to all.
Sylvia is survived by and will be an angel watching over her daughter Sandra and her husband Mike; her grandsons and their wives: Jeremy and Rachel, Joshua and Addie; her brother James Richard (JR). Sylvia (Yleeta) was a dear aunt and enjoyed relationships with many extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her late husband of 63 years Welbon Lee Schermesser; her siblings Norman, Sarah, Andrew, Claude, Maudena, and W.F., Jr.
In lieu of flowers, please offer a gift to a charity or an individual in need with the spirit of Sylvia’s living example.
VISITATION: Monday, July 22, 2024 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 from 4-8 p.m.
SERVICES: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Michel Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m.
Interment: St. Matthews Cemetery (Chapel) 4360 Bates St., St. Louis, MO 63116.
ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHEL FUNERAL HOME
A wonderful friend to many. I know the angels in heaven are happy to have her with them . I will always remember our time together ❤️
Rest in peace. You had a life well lived. It was an honor to know you
Seeing Sylvia in water aerobics was always fun. She had a great way of paying polite attention, then doing the exercises in a way that worked for her. I’m glad to have met her. One of her crocheted roses looks nice inside my little kale container. She was so generous! Please accept my condolences for the loss you, her beloved family, is experiencing.
It was such a pleasure to have known Sylvia and be a part of her life. She was an example of true selflessness and I hope God blessed her with a beautiful and fluffy cloud so she can be our angel in heaven watching over us. Rest in peace!
I knew Sylvia as the Grandmother of Jeremy and Joshua. She often picked the boys up from kindergarten. She made felt “erasers” for our dry erase boards and beanbags for the classroom. Her only daughter, Sandy, was a hard working Mom who depended on this amazing women to help her with her precious boys. Sylvia was on the fast track to Heaven. May she rest in peace.❤️
She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Thankfully, she left behind a similarly wonderful daughter who knows that her mom will be smiling on her from above.
Our fondest memories of cousin Yleeta include how she was so willing to lend a helping hand to my grandparents Bill and Hazel Ritchhart of Steelville for as long as I can remember. She was the same way with my mother Jerry Goewert, helping with gardening, taking her to the store weekly. Yleeta even sat through the night with her friend Jerry, just before she passed. We also have happy memories of looking forward to Yleeta’s Christmas cookies arriving in the mail and many dinners at Hodak’s where Yleeta would “pass on the fries for double slaw”! We will miss her always but take comfort in knowing she rests with Welbon. Our deepest condolences to Sandy and Mike and family.
When my husband David and I met our new neighbor Sylvia 12 years ago she was at our door the day we began moving in with bean soup and fresh cornbread, and her warm welcome never stopped.
David once put it well in a letter to an old friend “I see great kindness such as my neighbor Sylvia, who takes it upon herself to bring meals to our neighbor on the other side , I guess these are the people who make God’s world work, everyday people doing everyday service”.
Sylvia looked to be of service continually, a powerhouse and an inspiration. And a lot of fun too!
I miss my friend and send my most heartfelt condolences to her dear family who are missing her too.