Mary Velma Portell, 90, of Arnold died Dec. 13, 2023, in St. Louis. Ms. Portell was a homemaker. Born Sept. 17, 1933, in Old Mines, she was the daughter of the late Mary Alice (Boyer) and Jonathan Courtway.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Bob Portell.
She is survived by four children: Bonnie Ritland of Kirkwood, Tim Portell of Arnold, Patricia Hitchens of O’Fallon and Bruce Portell of Imperial; three siblings: Dorothy Coleman, Viola Thebeau and Carol Olaker; four grandchildren: Tonia Paul, Kerri Jungeberg, Jamie Mercer and Ashley Jones; 14 great-grandchildren: Dominic, Dillon and Makayla Paul, Mackenzie, Arianna, Isabella, Christina and Sara Jungeberg, Jaxon, Jace and Jordan Mercer and Maddoxx, Makynna and Roman Jones; and many other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a son: Don Portell.
Visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m. until the time of services at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, in St. Louis County. Memorials may be made to the Nazareth Living Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis South County Chapel.