Lillie Wade

ST. LOUIS -- Lillie Ruth Swan Wade of East St. Louis, Illinois, was the second child born to the late Fred and Altha Barber Swan. She came into the world July 29, 1939, in Oak Ridge. She passed Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in St. Louis, so this will be her first Heavenly birthday.

Lillie was a graduate of Oak Ridge High School, class of 1959.

Being a firm believer in the power of education, Lillie went on to achieve many accomplishments and increase her knowledge. In 1961, she earned her licensed practical nurse degree at St. Mary's Nursing School in East St. Louis. Being naturally inquisitive and eager to learn, she obtained a certificate in IBM Keypunch in 1963. Continuing in her passion for health care and her desire to care for others, Lillie completed an associate's degree in applied science in 1975 and graduated with her registered nursing degree in 1976.

Lillie was united in holy matrimony to Ralph R. Wade on Oct. 1, 1961. The union was blessed with two sons, Mark A. Wade and Courtenay G. Wade.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children, Mark A. Wade of Rolla, Missouri, and Courtenay G. Wade of Florissant, Missouri; brothers, Sherman (Syvilla) Swan of Jackson, Earnest (Tammy) Swan of Moscow Mills, Missouri, and Dennis (Barbara) Swan of Troy, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Lillie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph R. Wade; parents, Fred and Altha Swan; brothers, Marcel Kenneth (Francis) Pringle and Irvin (Margaret) Swan; sisters, Lucille (St. Matthew) Bell and Verna Lou (Glen) Lindsay.

There is a video tribute on the Officer Funeral Home website, www.officerfh.com. On the bottom right, select "search obituaries". In the search field type "Lillie Ruth Wade" and click on her picture. Use a mouse or touch pad to scroll down through the obituary and click on the "play" button in the middle of her picture.