Mrs. Bernita "Bea" Wright Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

. Bernita Kallenbach Wright, 87, of St. Louis, Missouri passed away peacefully on February 21, 2016 at the McKnight Place Extended Care facility in St. Louis, Missouri after courageously living out the remainder of her life with the limitations suffered following a stroke in July 2013. A private family memorial will take place in celebration of her life on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Bernita (affectionately known as Bea) was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Dec. 12, 1928 to Dr. Travis and Ethel Kallenbach (nee Cook). She graduated from Clayton High School, and went on to complete two years of college at Williams Woods in Fulton, Missouri. Bea is survived by her beloved husband, William Webb Wright. Bea and Bill were united in marriage on October 15, 1948, and recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. Bea was also the loving mother of four children: The late Kathryn Ann Wright, Carolyn Wright of St. Louis, Nancy (Dave) Whiteman of Prairie Village, Kansas and Robert Wright of St. Louis. Bea is additionally survived by three grandchildren; Laura Whiteman Copeland (Dr. Greg) of Fresno, California, Natalie Whiteman Morrison (Scott) of Kansas City, Missouri, and Peter Whiteman (Elo) of Overland Park, Kansas, who blessed her with 9 great grandchildren as follows: Sam Copeland, Ben Copeland, Gabi Copeland, and Josh Copeland of Fresno, California; Fletcher Morrison, Dexter, Morrison, and Crosby Morrison of Kansas City, Missouri, and Elahn Whiteman and Noree Whiteman of Overland Park, Kansas. Additionally, she is survived by loving nieces, nephew, in-laws, and friends. Bea has two surviving sisters; Lois (the late Stan) Lucas, St. Joseph, Missouri, and Erline (Dr. Dave) Ferguson of Scottsdale, Arizona. Bea enjoyed living life to the fullest as a wife, mother and homemaker. Through these roles, she exhibited many of her gifts and talents such as cooking, sewing, needlework, and gardening which always made “home” a special place to be. In addition to enjoying time with family, she shared life with numerous friends in activities such as tennis, playing bridge, garden club, church circles, and participating in a philanthropic organization called PEO. Bea always had a strong interest in, and love for, travel. She earned a pilot’s license as a teenager, being influenced by her father who was also a pilot. This interest then resulted in a part time career as a travel agent during her “empty nest” years. As a travel agent, she was able to experience many trips to places around the world, in addition to those taken with Bill and dear friends. Bea’s contagious smile and zeal for life will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of McKnight Place Extended Care for their care and kindnesses during the two years Bea was a resident. The family would also like to thank the compassionate staff of BJC Hospice for making Bea’s last two weeks as comfortable as possible and for their kindness to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Mrs. Bernita "Bea" Wright

December 12, 1928 - February 21, 2016