Although certainly undeserving, I am fortunate again and give the glory to God and his loving mercy. Amen
Robbie [Roberta Marie] Waldron, 66, of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2018, at St. Louis University Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Timothy Lee Waldron, their four children: Jonathan (Catherine) Waldron of Clayton; Amanda (Jeff) Kroll of Alton; Zachary (Tabitha) Waldron, and Benjamin Waldron of St. Peters; and six grandchildren: Sarah (10), David (8), and Grace (4) Waldron; Emily (3) and Cassidy (1) Kroll; and Cyrus (3) Waldron.
Robbie was born July 31, 1952, in Alton, Illinois to Herbert and Laura (Ellspermann) Hellrung, who preceded her in death. Robbie’s five siblings survived her: Laura (George) Jones of Fort Collins, Colorado; Flora "Flow" Van Koten and Chris (Clarice) Hellrung, both of Alton; Mary Pat (Fred) Venardos of Godfrey, Illinois; and Joseph (Jana) Hellrung, of Alton.
Robbie attended Marquette High School in Alton and earned her BS in Physical Therapy from St. Louis University in 1974. She practiced as a physical therapist for 43 years, beginning at Fermin Desloge Hospital (now SLU Hospital) before finding that helping children cope with their challenges was her true calling. She served mostly in pediatrics the rest of her career. After honing her skills at United Services For The Handicapped, the State School, SLARC, and the First Steps program, her last 30 years were with the Fort Zumwalt School District where she touched countless children’s lives.
Robbie served as a faithful member of Grace Church St. Louis (Maryland Heights) for the past 36 years. Her dedication to helping children with special needs and their families included using her knowledge and talents to help develop the Special Edition Ministry at Grace Church to offer specialized care and ministry for children with disabilities thus enabling their parents to attend regular church services. Along with her husband, she co-hosted a Grace Church small group Bible study for the last 15 years.
Robbie’s love for God and family was paramount in her daily life. To her four children, she was an immensely dedicated, motherly example of Christ's love. Robbie truly enjoyed life, especially time spent every summer with family and friends in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She was a friend to virtually anyone she would meet.
Despite her valiant and difficult battle over the last year and a half with multiple diabetes complications and organ failures, her family takes great comfort in knowing she passed peacefully, is now in her Heavenly Father’s arms, and that they will see her again in heaven. She is already greatly missed by everyone.
To share memories, photos, and reflections on Robbie, use the Gallery and Stories tabs above or Leave a Tribute below.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Church St. Louis (Maryland Heights) in September. Please revisit this page for further updates.
Memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association are encouraged. (diabetes.org/donate)
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Robbie Waldron's Celebration of Life Service
WHEN: Saturday, 29th September 12:00 Noon
Noon – 1 PM:Visitation & Memory Tables
Formal Service Begins at 1 PM.
WHERE: Grace Church St. Louis (Maryland Heights)
2695 Creve Coeur Mill Rd,
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Phone: (314) 292-8300
GraceSTL.org
Enter through the Atrium entrance door under The Grace Logo. Walk straight back through the atrium to the Chapel entrance. NOTE: The atrium chapel is not the main worship center. Hope to see you there!
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Tributes
Leave a tributeAlthough certainly undeserving, I am fortunate again and give the glory to God and his loving mercy. Amen
John and Lynne Tomlinson
Love & prayers,
Mike & Gail Glover
Robbie Waldron's Celebration of Life Service
WHEN: Saturday, 29th September 12:00 Noon
Noon – 1 PM: Visitation & Memory Tables
Formal Service Begins at 1 PM.
WHERE: Grace Church St. Louis (Maryland Heights)
2695 Creve Coeur Mill Rd,
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Phone: (314) 292-8300
www.gracestl.org
Enter the complex through the Atrium entrance door under The Grace Logo. Walk straight back through the atrium to the Chapel entrance. NOTE: The atrium chapel is not the main worship center. Hope to see you there! Feel free to post tributes below, or pictures and/or memories using the top GALLERY or STORIES tabs, OR THIS tribute section. This memorial website is permanent: robbiewaldron.forevermissed.com
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Rob and Pam Quattrocchi
One of the things that always impressed me about Robbie was her quick smile and positive attitude. She laughed easily, and you could tell she enjoyed life as she would often recount experiences of her and Tim during their college days and then later as the kids were growing up.
Robbie admired her husband. She was a great role model for the family as she seemed to exemplify the Apostle’s exhortation, “Your adornment must not be merely external . . . but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3,4.
Lynne and I had the privilege of attending Tim and Robbie’s small group. We were pretty much aware of Robbie’s health concerns from the beginning. First the diabetes, then the need for the first pancreas transplant, then the second, the travel to the various health facilities, the complicated surgeries, the frustration and anguish over medical mishaps, the ominous uncertainties of the future. It is difficult to explain the admiration I had for her as she bravely and repeatedly faced these life or death situations with such quiet confidence, such calmness. The life of Jesus was surely revealed through her character during these difficult times.
We sometimes wondered, Lord why are you allowing Robbie to suffer for such a long time if you are going to take her home anyway? We know you can heal her. We’ve seen miraculous, virtually inexplainable recoveries several times. I don’t have all the answers, but I believe I stand on solid scriptural grounds when I say, “Some sickness is for the glory of God,” (John 21:19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God). During these trying times we often prayed that regardless of the outcome Tim and Robbie would experience the power and presence of God in their lives as well as the assurance that He was in control. And even though I don’t understand everything I do believe that, “. . .this happened so the power of God could be seen in him (them), “John 9:3. And we believe it was!
We would be wise to take comfort in Paul’s words, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully . . .” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We tend to look at things from a temporal standpoint, God sees things from an eternal perspective, far beyond our reasoning capability. One day we will understand, and it will make perfect sense, we just don’t have all the information.
Robbie was most definitely a positive influence on my life. When I attended bible study in her small group she bought me a bible to help me interpret the passages, and she even attended my baptism. She really cared about my relationship with God and I loved that about her.
She was an amazing woman, wife, therapist, mother, grandmother, and friend. I will miss her smile, her quick walk, and her asking me questions and not waiting for the answer :) She will be greatly missed by so many people.
My heart is sad for her family and my prayers are for her eternal rest.
I am thankful for the times I was blessed to spend time with her. I am thankful for the true love she and her husband showed me is possible. I am thankful for her strengthening my faith in our Holy Father. I am thankful for the values she instilled in the love of my life, her son, Ben Waldron. I am thankful that she welcomed me into her family. I am thankful she was kind to me and so selfless as to put her concerns with my ailments before her own. I am thankful she raised such wonderful children that I now consider close and true friends. I am thankful for the family she and Tim created. I am thankful that she made a point to include me in her family. I am thankful for the kindness she showed those with exceptionalities.
I am thankful for the life she lived and the legacy she left behind.
I am so thankful that God blessed this world with Robbie Waldron.
An example of how Robbie impacted my life and why I thank God for her: The first time I met the Waldron family... Ben and I decided to introduce each other to our families over the Easter weekend, why we picked such a family centered holiday bewilders me to this day. It was Easter Day and I was so nervous I could barely stand it. We arrived early and Robbie greeted me at the door with the biggest hug and the kindest welcoming. I instantly felt at ease just being in her presence. I knew I was going to like her. As the family began to arrive I was more quiet then I've ever been- trying to remember my manners and forget how much my feet were aching (because I just HAD to borrow a pair of fancy shoes for this occasion (which were easily 2 sizes to small)). Robbie paid extra attention to me that day and at one point, after dinner, we even kicked off our shoes together. She made sure I was included. She didn't force me to join in the conversation but rather welcomed me into it. The final thing she did had everyone laughing so hard I was truly put at ease- She handed Ben and I baby Cyrus and told us to smile for a picture. Meeting the new family and I having a picture taken with my new boyfriend and I holding a child was extremely awkward- and amazingly hilarious. As I laughed along with the family I knew that I was receiving a blessing from God in the form of Ben, Robbie and the Waldron/Kroll family. The evening ended perfectly and to this day I credit Robbie with the acceptance and love I have felt from her family ever since.
I am so thankful for her.
She was a woman I admired. I will spend the rest of my life striving to exemplify the strength, love, kindness, acceptance and faith that she showed every single day. I will aim to make her proud and carry on her memory. I wish that everyone could experience, if even for a minute, the love she and her husband shared and the love she had for her children and grandchildren. Her unfailing commitment to her family and her dedication to our Lord were remarkable things to behold.
Robbie's life and legacy are an example to us all. I truly believe she was a gift from God and certainly left a positive and profound mark on all us who were blessed to meet her.
I am thankful for Mrs. Robbie Waldron.
Leave a Tribute
Although certainly undeserving, I am fortunate again and give the glory to God and his loving mercy. Amen
John and Lynne Tomlinson
Robbie still around in spirit .
Celebration service
Thanks to all Robbie's family and friends who planned yesterday's service. We felt blessed by all the memories you shared. She is missed greatly and will forever have made a difference. Well done thou good and faithful servant Robbie Waldron.
Although we did not know Robbie for a long time, she was gracious enough to open up her home and treat us like we had known her forever.
We often spoke in private of her unwavering faith and love for God in the midst of fighting her serious health condition.
Robbie's actions and love for others demonstrated to us her incredible character and Godliness. We are very confident that Robbie is now at peace and with our Lord and Saviour.
We wish only for continued healing, hope and love for Tim and the entire family. It was obvious Robbie was a very special child of God, woman for others and she will be greatly missed.
God bless,
Rob and Ria Winchester