Veronica Catherine Buben

Veronica Catherine Buben, 85, of Hannibal, MO, passed away comfortably, surround by her three daughters at 3:39 PM, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Stonebridge Senior Living in Lake Ozark, MO. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal, MO. Fr. Greg Meystrik and Fr. Mike Quinn will officiate. Friends and Family are invited to Veronica's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, August 15, 2025, at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Veronica was born November 14, 1939, in St. Louis, MO to Adam Meyer and Eleanor Carey Meyer. She was married to Dr. Robert William Buben on May 29, 1965, in St. Louis, MO. He preceded her in death on September 13, 2023. Survivors include her three daughters, Kathleen Steelberg (Dr. Schuyler) of Cookson, OK, Elizabeth Sparks of Parkville, MO, and Peggy Newell of Lake Ozark, MO; six grandchildren, Patrick Sparks, Sean Sparks, Cara Sparks, Dominic Newell, James Newell, and Gillian Newell; sister-in-law, Kathy Meyer; and several nieces and nephews. Veronica was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Tom Meyer and Jim Meyer (June). Educated in private schools in St. Louis, MO, Veronica earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Louis University in 1961 and her Master of Science Degree from Washington University in 1965, having been a Registered Nurse since 1961. Professionally Veronica practiced staff nursing at John Cochran V.A. Hospital, St Mary's Health Center, the Pediatric Research Center at Children's Hospital all located in St. Louis, and served as a faculty member at Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State) in Kirksville, MO. Veronica stepped back from nursing to raise her family, it was then that she was imbued with a strong sense of volunteerism in her community. Having served as a Girl Scout Leader, volunteer school nurse, room mother, Church Council Member, a volunteer instructing new mothers in the art of breast feeding and even serving on a task force that established The Hannibal Hospice, Veronica loved to give back to her community. Continuing her active community betterment spirit, Veronica served on the following Boards of Directors; The Children's Station, a daycare facility; R.S.V.P., The Woman's Club of Hannibal and The Hannibal Arts Council. Veronica was also part of the group of concerned parents who founded Project Graduation, now an annual all-night drug and alcohol-free graduation part for Hannibal High School Seniors. Veronica also delivered Meal On Wheels for 7 years. An amateur gourmet cook, Veronica loved to prepare new adventurous recipes for her family. She was also an avid gardener and herbalist, which lent itself well in her cooking endeavors. A seasoned traveler of the world trips to Ireland, Great Britan and even China when she was named a People-to- People delegate to China in 1986, provided for some memorable and fascinating experiences. Winters in Bokeelia, FL with her family of the past 30 years, reading a delightful book and times shared with one of her favorite pet schnauzers over the years brought Veronica much joy. A leader, organized like no other and persistent and committed to the projects she agreed to undertake, Veronica loved her family and her community. She treasured being a grandmother, mother and wife and her memory will be cherished by those she loved. Veronica was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal for many years. Honorary pallbearers will be Veronica's grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Hannibal Arts Council. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Veronica, please visit our floral store.