Alta Sue Axt

Alta Sue (Pennock) Axt of Kirkwood, MO, passed away peacefully at Kingswood Health Center, KCMO, on December 25, 2012. Sue was born March 26, 1922 to Katie (Grubb) Pennock and William Alexander Pennock in Stanbury, MO. She grew up in Granite City, IL, and spent many happy summers in Moberly, MO with her grandparents and her Aunt Altie. It was at church in Moberly she met her future husband, Donald Axt. After graduation from Granite City High School, she went to Moberly Junior College and received an Associate’s Degree. She and Don were married in New York City on October 13, 1942, where he was stationed in the Coast Guard. After the war they moved to Hannibal, then Columbia, and finally to Kirkwood following Don’s teaching career. Sue did various jobs before and after, but was longest at Yacovelli’s restaurant as a waitress. She enjoyed the work and her customers, developing many friendships. Though she hoped to wait tables until she died, she retired at the age of 80 but continued to work at the church on Wednesday nights for several more years. She was a member of Kirkwood Baptist Church for over 60 years.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, husband, her sister Bertha Marie Rhoads, and her daughter, Donece Axt. She is survived by three children, Suzette Axt McCaffery of Farmington, NM; Jody Axt Thatch (Bob) of Kansas City, MO; Don David Axt (Brenda) of Milwaukee, WI; 10 grandchildren, one great granddaughter, two nieces and their families; and many friends.

The family thanks the staff of Kingswood Health Center for their loving care and friendship to Sue, and to Crossroads Hospice for their support. Services will be held at a later date in Kirkwood with burial in Moberly. Memorial gifts can be made to Kirkwood Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

Visits: 3

Condolences

  1. Carol Jessen on January 6, 2013 at 8:38 am

    Suzette, Jody and David, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of your mom’s death. Sue was a lively, fun friend and I will always remember her smile! She took great pride in you three. My hope is that you will take comfort in the memories you shared. Love, Carol



  2. Wallace G. Klein on January 6, 2013 at 10:01 am

    My condolences to the family of A.Sue Axt, widow of my University City High School colleague Don.
    Wallace G. Klein, Naperville, IL



  3. Dewey Yacovelli on January 7, 2013 at 7:56 am

    My prayers are with the family of this wonderful, wonderful woman. It was my pleasure to have her work as a waitress at my restaurant for so many years. She was one of my best and most treasured employees. She had a beautiful smile and always a kind word. She was the most requested waitress by my customers. Thank you Sue for sharing some great memories.
    Dewey Yacovelli



  4. Wallace D. Turpin on January 7, 2013 at 10:57 am

    My condolences to the children. I was fortunate to have had Don Axt as my coach at Central Junior High in Hannibal Mo. Don taught me(us) many great sport skills that carried on through life. I recall your parents pushing two of you around Hannibal in a stroller…..1947-8ish.
    I was blessed to know them.
    Wally



  5. Judy Thatch on January 7, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    Anyone who as seen Sue’s smile, will never forget her.



  6. Karen Jessop on January 7, 2013 at 7:17 pm

    When Kathy Oltmann and her husband Larry adopted me into their family in 1975, I gained an extended family of Bertha Rhoads and Alta Sue Axt (Auntie Sue). I was honored to share many family events with them, including Bertha’s last morning. Auntie Sue was there, even though it was pre-dawn. She was a loving and caring sister and aunt. I am blessed to have known her.



  7. Dorothy Thatch on January 9, 2013 at 1:39 am

    Sue and my late husband, Wayland Thatch shared one talent: they loved to talk. And both spent over a year in silence before passing. But each found ways to project their personality into the new situation. In earlier years, Sue and I had time to visit, shop, and discuss our children’s marriage! We were friends. She handled her late-life disabilities with grace and acceptance.



  8. Debbie Rockford on January 9, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I mostly know Sue as Jody’s Mom. But I will remember for a long time the lovely direct connection with her at a combined Sue & Jody birthday party at Jody and Bob’s house. What a privilege. Blessings to Jody, Suzette and David and your families.



  9. Cynthia Dodge on January 11, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the Axt family on the loss of your mother, grandmother, etc. I never knew your mom, but have known Don and his family for many years. Wonderful people, so it is no surprise that he had great parents.Much love–Cynthia



  10. Linda and David Stephens on January 21, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Suzette, David, and Jody, We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother.

    We were blessed to have had the privilege of knowing your Mother for so many years. She was always so thoughtful toward us. She allowed us to use her free tickets to the Fox many times. Plus many other gestures of kindness. She was a good friend and delightful to be around.

    We were happy she enjoyed living at Kingswood. That was a very good move. It is not surprising to hear the Staff and residences enjoyed her friendliness.

    May our Lord be near as you mourn this tremendous loss.

    Love, Linda and David



  11. Anne Richardson on April 16, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Jody, Suzette, and Don David,

    Your mother was one of the outstanding members of KBC when I joined 40 years ago. Sue always was
    interested in me as well as others, asking about what was going on in our lives. She gave me practical and helpful advice for whatever I was experiencing. I miss her especially in the kitchen at KBC! May you find peace and comfort remembering special family events. My prayers are with each of you and your families.
    A great lady!
    Blessings,
    Anne



  12. Chris Newell Ostendorf on April 17, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    You have my deepest sympathy. Our moms were dear friends for many years. They both thoroughly enjoyed their years at Yacovelli’s. Your mom was always so encouraging to me and I loved being around her. Such a positive outlook on life. You have been very blessed to have had such wonderful parents.



  13. Phil Vaughn on June 7, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    Jody, David, and Suzette–I remember your mother as being so full of life and laughter, and yet she was also very “matter-of-fact” when necessary. I pray that the Lord will fill your hearts with peace. Your mother (and father) would want that for you, I know. You are all in my prayers.

    Phil Vaughn



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