Vera Jean Streiff (née Paulding)

Vera Jean Streiff (née Paulding) passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the age of 95. She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph Streiff. She is survived by her 5 loving children: Deb (Bob) Zimmermann, Paul (Gigi) Streiff, Bruce (Michelle) Streiff, Alison (Bruce) Thornton, and David (Lisa) Streiff. She was a devoted grandmother to 13 grandchildren: Kate (Dan) Pollmann, Emily (Michael) McGehee, Kurt (Becca) Zimmermann, Taylor Streiff, Andy (Sydney) Streiff, Alex (Erin) Streiff, Hanna (Will) Allen, Sarah (Alex) Rigazio, Shelby (Scott) Flubacker, Erin (Mason) Rinks, Rebecca (Evan) Smith, Elizabeth Streiff, and Ben Streiff. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to 10: Michael and Lucas McGehee, Charlie and Ava Pollmann, Madelyn, Oliver, and Evan Zimmermann, Zoe Rigazio, Elvis Allen, and Jean Louise “Lou” Streiff.  Vera is also survived by her dear sister, Pauline Spalding.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents Virgil Sr. and Stella Paulding, and siblings: Virgil Jr. (Gladys) Paulding, Rebecca (Hank) Steinbrueck, Peggy (Roy) Duenke, and Orpha (Lester) Reagan.

Born in 1929, Vera lived a life defined by love, family, and lasting friendships. She married the love of her life, Ralph, in 1950 and together they built a beautiful life, raising five children and sharing 64 cherished years of marriage before Ralph’s passing.

Vera found joy in the simple moments, especially those spent with loved ones. From countless family vacations to decades of memories at the Destin beach house, she created a legacy of laughter, warmth, and togetherness. 

A sharp mind and spirited competitor, Vera was an avid bridge player and a proud member of the same bridge group for over 50 years; a testament to her loyalty, intellect, and enduring friendships. She was also a member of a Questers group, where she enjoyed learning about antiques and collecting treasures and dear friends. 

Her life was a celebration of love, connection, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of treasured memories, countless stories, and the reminder that life is best lived in good company with a glass of Chardonnay.  

She will be deeply missed.

Services: Visitation at St. John United Church of Christ, 332 Old Sulphur Spring Road, Manchester, MO 63021, Tuesday, July 29, 2025 beginning at 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment St. John UCC Cemetery, Manchester. a light lunch will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memory Care Home Solutions, 4389 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.