Ellen F. Horstmann, 81, Festus died Oct. 25, 2024, at her home. Mrs. Horstmann was the first “meter maid” employed by the city of Festus. She was a longtime bartender for the Elks Lodge 1721 and a retired cook for the Redemptorist Fathers at Liguori. She was also a member of the Mississippi River Eagles. When she wasn’t caring for those around her, she loved to go fishing and play cards with her friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Born Nov. 21, 1942, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Roberta Evelyn “Berdie” (Auzat) Vaughn Langelier and Edward Arthur Vaughn.
She is survived by her husband: Leroy J. Horstmann; a son: Jonathan (Lynn) Trask of Festus; three daughters: Joan (Demi) Trask of St. Louis, Jennifer Steele of Festus and Jocelyn (Nancy) Clemens of St. Louis; four grandchildren: Meagan (Colin) Trask, Anthony (Kori) Trask, Kacie (Adam) Elder and Zachary Steele; seven great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; a sister: Susan (the late Donald) Lalumondier of Highland, Ill.; and two brothers: John (Delores) Vaughn of Las Vegas, Nev., and Mike (the late Kathy) (Vikki) Vaughn of Crystal City.
She was preceded in death by a stepfather: Christopher Phillip Langelier; two sisters: Ruth Ann Eicher and Mary (the late Leroy) Bradley; and a brother: Thomas (the late Marcella) Vaughn.
Visitation is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. until services at 5 p.m. today, Oct. 28, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Burial will be at a later date in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.