Stacia Lawrence Kasten

Stacia Lawrence Kasten, 97, of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at Chateau Girardeau, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born Nov. 13, 1919, in Walker County, Alabama, to Wallace Porter and Sara Nell Propst Lawrence while on a timber-buying trip. The family returned to their residence in Fayette, Alabama, where Stacia spent most of her life until she married and moved to Jackson, Missouri.

Only child to her parents and only granddaughter to Carrie Cannon Propst and Henry Belton Propst, Stacia grew up loved by many in Fayette. As a devoted daughter, she faithfully assisted her mother in the care of her father during his extended illness. The friendships forged in her hometown lasted Stacia's entire life and provided her great joy. She and her best friend, Emily Grimsley Roper, met in their baby carriages and continued their life-long friendship until Emily's passing in 2013.

After graduating from Fayette County High School, Stacia attended Sophie Newcomb, Auburn University and the University of Alabama. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. In 1941, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Alabama and attended graduate school for one semester at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Between 1942 and 1948, Stacia held positions as a social worker with the County Welfare Department in Fayette and the American Red Cross on Parris Island, South Carolina, and as an artist with Brown Shoe Company in Nashville, Tennessee. From 1948 to 1957, she partnered in business with her mother in Fayette at the Palace Gift Shop. After moving to Missouri in 1957, she managed several properties and maintained business interests in Fayette.

Stacia met the love of her life, Vernon Louis Kasten Sr., at a convention in New Orleans in 1950. After a long-distance courtship, they married April 13, 1957. While Vernon built his pottery manufacturing business, Ceramo Company, Inc., Stacia embraced life as a wife, homemaker and mother in Jackson, Missouri. She and Vernon enjoyed raising their two sons, frequently entertaining their family and friends, and traveling to many countries.

The Fayette First United Methodist Church held a special place in Stacia's heart. She and her family worshipped there for many years, and she always made time to attend services when she returned for visits to Alabama. She joined St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, Missouri, after she married and subsequently raised her sons in the Lutheran faith.

She belonged to Chapter DJ, P.E.O. (a philanthropic and educational organization) since 1959 and served as president three terms; the John Guild Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1958 and served as recording secretary, corresponding secretary and chairperson for many committees; and the Concordia Guild. She volunteered for Teen Challenge and functioned as a Cub Scouts den mother. Stacia served on the board of directors for Ceramo Company, Inc., Kasten Masonry Sales, Inc., Kasten Clay Products, Inc. and Kasten Concrete Products, Inc. The Jackson Rotary Club recognized her as a Paul Harris Fellow, and Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri awarded her the 2011 Faith in Action Walter J. Keisker Award.

A gifted artist, Stacia loved painting. She actively participated in several bridge groups and enjoyed playing the game well into her nineties. Always willing to open her heart to others and her home to guests, Stacia acquired a reputation as a hostess of wonderful parties for family, social, political and charity events.

One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother. She and Vernon Sr. delighted in attending music and dance recitals, school functions and soccer games. They enjoyed playing games and surprising their granddaughters with special souvenir gifts from their travels. Stacia taught the girls how to make the heirloom Christmas ornaments that she and her mother had fashioned to decorate her tree every year. Magical holidays at Grandmommy and Granddaddy's house will be remembered.

Survivors include two sons, Vernon Louis Kasten Jr. (Stephanie Ruff Kasten) and Lawrence Cannon Kasten (Alison Lane Kasten), and two granddaughters, Chloe Paige Kasten and Laurel Elizabeth Kasten. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and most of her close friends and relatives.

The family expresses love and gratitude to Debbie Diggs, Stacia's longtime caregiver and companion. Debbie was a blessing to Stacia and her family throughout the years, especially after Vernon Sr.'s death in 2004. Her dedication and love never faltered over the past 24 years.

Along with Debbie, the staff of Chateau Girardeau provided skilled and compassionate care to Stacia in the final years of her life. The Kasten family greatly appreciated the love of these caregivers.

Stacia will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, cherished mother, adoring "Grandmommy" and true Southern belle. She had a keen wit and intellect, beautiful sense of style and exuberance for life. Her strong and loving presence will be greatly missed.

Friends and family may call at Ford and Sons Funeral Home on Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau Wednesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The funeral will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. Burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may be made to The Chateau Foundation, P.E.O. Foundation (P.E.O. 150 Fund) or Daughters of the American Revolution (John Guild Chapter D.A.R.).

Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.