Donna Portell, 70, of De Soto took this picture of her granddaughter, Allison Webster, and great-granddaughter, Amelia Webster, both from St. Louis. The pair came to visit last fall, when the photo was taken. “Their smiles say it all!” Donna said.
Donna Portell, 70, of De Soto took this picture recently while visiting her mother, Peggy Young, in De Soto. Peggy is holding her great-grandson, Henry King, and is surrounded by his sisters, Eleanor King, left, and Adelaide King, all from French Village. “I love how they brighten (Peggy’s) day and make her happy!” Donna said. “They love her so much and feel lucky to have her!”
Dave Luechauer, 75, of Festus sent a picture from Christmas of his grandchildren, Cooper and Olivia Luechauer, both 18 months, of the De Soto area. “Cooper was trying to silence his sister in telling secrets!” Dave said. “These two kids are always into everything! Always observant!” Cooper and Olivia’s grandparents moved to Festus when the twins were born in order to be closer.
Laurie Haller, 64, of Hillsboro took this picture last summer of her grandchildren, Parker Torrente, 8, Connor Torrente, 5, and Taylor Torrente, 2, all from Chesterfield, visiting the Jefferson County Rodeo in Hillsboro. “It has been a tradition for us to go each year, and the children always look forward to it!” Laurie said.
Cheryl Brewer, 59, of Dittmer took this picture recently of her grandchild, Michael Hoefelmann Jr., 3 months, of Eureka. “I caught this look on his face waiting for his brothers to get off the bus last week,” Cheryl said. Michael is the son of Michael and Tanya Hoefelmann.
Gayle Carron, 79, of Arnold sent this picture of her grandson, Mitch Hernandez, and great-grandson, Eamon Hernandez, both from Affton. “This is one of my favorite photos of Mitch and Eamon because it shows the love and trust daddy and son have for each other,” Gayle said.
Gayle Carron, 79, of Arnold sent this picture of her great-grandson, Ciaran Hernandez of Affton. “I chose this photo because it embodies Ciaran’s sweet personality!” Gayle said.
Tina Jett of Festus took this picture on Christmas in 2014 of her grandson, Kellan Jett, then 4, of Sunset Hills. “He was so in awe of the Christmas lights and had climbed on top of the wrapped boxes to get a closer look,” Tina said. “I turned and caught him there, and it couldn’t have been a more ‘Kodak’ moment.”
Brenda Pace, 74, of De Soto took this picture in Gulf Shores, Ala., last year of her granddaughter, Mia Lovins of Festus. The photo shows Mia’s “excitement seeing the ocean for the first time,” Brenda said.
Will Solomon, 80, of Imperial sent this picture of his granddaguther, Ellie Solomon of Imperial, at Stuckmeyer’s in October 2006. “Ellie is now 21 and is not as enthusiastic about having her photo taken as she was when she was much younger,” Will said. “This is my wife’s favorite photo of her. We love her smile and those eyes.” Ellie is a sports management major at Missouri State University in Springfield and hopes to be an equipment manager for a professional hockey team after graduation.
Catherine Shanks, 57, of De Soto took this picture in Clearwater, Fla., in September 2023 of her grandson, Austin Stuckey of De Soto, holding her granddaughter, Kennedy Roland of De Soto. “This photo is special because it was my granddaughter’s first trip to the beach!” Catherine said.
Catherine Shanks, 57, of De Soto took this picture in Panama City, Fla., in July last year of her granddaughter, Charlotte Bequette of De Soto. “You can see in her eyes pure happiness!” Catherine said. “We had such a great trip with so many wonderful memories!”
Catherine Shanks, 57, of De Soto took this picture on the Fourth of July last year of her grandson, Greyson Bequette of De Soto. “This photo is special because it really brings out Greyson’s personality, and it was great timing with the fireworks in the background!” Catherine said.
Jeff Stieren, 64, of Eureka took this picture in February of his grandchildren, Odin Blake Graville and Logan Johanna Graville. “Logan is a special gift to Odin, as he loves on her and watches over her at all times,” Jeff said. “Odin will make the best big brother to Logan and the best little brother to Wade Austin.” Odin and Logan are the children of Kyle and Johannah Graville of House Springs.
Chris Hagan, 62, of Festus took this picture in March of his granddaughters, Juniper “Juny” Hagan, left, and Aurora “Rory” Hagan, both from St. Louis. “This photo represents the pure joy and special bond these twins share,” Chris said. “It reminds my wife and I how fortunate we are to be able to spend our retirement taking in all the love and laughter of our 1-year-old twin granddaughters.”
Ginny Leitner of Festus sent this picture from fall 2024 of her great-grandson, Mateo Stout, 2, “enjoying his first boat ride at Terre Du Lac” with his grandfather, John Leitner.
Ginny Leitner of Festus sent this picture of her granddaughter, Annie Hebenstreit, 9, of Oakville. “(Annie) joined our family by way of adoption in December 2024,” Ginny said. Annie is the daughter of Jeff and Nancy (Leitner) Hebenstreit of Oakville.
Ginny Leitner of Festus took this picture in September 2014 of her granddaughters, Grace Leitner, 14, and Avery Leitner, 12, both from Sunset Hills. Grace and Avery are the daughters of Rob and Kristi Leitner of Sunset Hills.
Catherine Shanks, 57, of De Soto took this picture in January 2023 of her grandson, Hunter Perry of De Soto. “This photo is special because it shows Hunter’s love for outdoors,” Catherine said. “We were out searching for bugs this day, which is one of his favorite things to do!”
Sandra Miget, 78, of Herculaneum took this picture in 2007 of her granddaughter, Danica Milfelt, 18, of Desloge, when Danica was about 6 months old. “All pictures of my grandchildren are very special,” Sandra said. “This picture shows Danica ‘telling’ Molly, ‘You’re in my way.’”
Sherry Stehr of Cedar Hill took this picture in October of her granddaughter, Abby Creath of Cedar Hill, holding her new kitten, Carly. “It has become one of my favorite photos of Abby, and I think her kitten is just as beautiful as Abby,” Sherry said. “I have been taking photos of my grandkids since they were babies, and every once in a while I take one that I feel really stands out, and this is one of those. I just love it!”
Kathy Helton, 69, of Eureka took this picture in March 2024 in Branson of her granddaughters, Sophia Flora, 12, Reagan Flora, 7, and Peyton Flora, 7, all from Fenton, with their grandfather. “We took our granddaughters to Branson over their spring break and had the most wonderful time playing mini golf,” Kathy said. “This picture shows grandpa doing what he likes best with who he loves best!”
Dale Michaelis, 79, of Barnhart took this picture of his granddaughter, Brianna Lillie Cobb, at Silver Dollar City in December, just outside of the Fire in the Hole roller coaster. “It was our annual family time at (Silver Dollar City), and she is wearing her gramps' hat,” Dale said.
Bill Cline, 61, of Imperial took this picture of his granddaughter, Hazel Capriglione, then 1, of Hillsboro. “I love Hazel’s gaze and the way her eyes are so blue, matching the swing,” Bill said.
Tammy Edler, 52, of High Ridge took this picture in February of her granddaughter, Annie Barden, then 6 months, of High Ridge. “Although I do have a professional camera, this is a random photo taken in my phone,” Tammy said. “I believe it captures her beauty inside and out.”
Carole Lamprecht, 86, of Arnold took this picture in 1997 of her first granddaughter, Amber Jarvis, then 2, of Arnold, with Carole’s dog, Greta. “I smile every time I see this picture, and after all these years, still hear my granddaughter's laughter,” Carole said. “I love the pure joy in her face and her innocence. My sweet Greta was so tolerant and gentle with all the grandchildren. Side note: Greta did not fall; we caught her before that happened.”
Connie Wilson, 72, of High Ridge took this picture at Peck Ranch in December of her grandson, Caleb Wilson, 7, of Festus. “This photo is extra special to me, because Caleb loves big equipment, and he just posed for this photo without any help from me,” Connie said. “His expression tells it all for me.”
Gloria Raster, 76, of Imperial took this picture in February of her great-granddaughter, Ava Victoria Auer, 4 months, of Barnhart. “We had a special day together,” Gloria said. “She was just so cute and happy that day.”
Jane Culton, 60, of Festus took this picture on Festus Main Street of her granddaughters, Hadley and Stella Moynihan of Festus, dressed up for Halloween. “I thought it was cute because Hadley, the police officer, was telling Stella, the robber, to stop,” Jane said.
Lora Barnes, 56, of Festus took this picture on Halloween in Pevely of her grandsons, Oliver and Elliot Barnes of St. Louis.
Sandy Kemp, 65, of Festus took this picture in 2019 of her grandsons, Milo Hileman, left, and Brent Kemp. “Trout fishing at Montauk State Park is a family tradition, and we love that the boys enjoy it too,” Sandy said. Milo is the son of Katie Kemp Hileman of St Louis, and Brent is the son of Kaniz and Matt Kemp of Festus.
Sandy Kemp, 65, of Festus took this picture in 2019 of her grandson, Cody Kemp, while on a fishing trip with Sandy’s other grandsons. “Trout fishing at Montauk State Park is a family tradition, and we love that the boys enjoy it too,” Sandy said. “(Cody) was taking a break from fishing and was enjoying the outdoors.” Cody is the son of Kaniz and Matt Kemp of Festus.
Mary Moore, 58, of De Soto took this picture in August 2024 of her grandchildren, Addison, Luke and Ava Richard, all from De Soto, in Rocky Mountain National Park. “I was taking a break with my grandkids, and we were watching their dad climb on the rocks behind us,” Mary said. “This photo captured the very essence of my grandchildren and every time I see it, I’m reminded of our precious time together.”
Tania Touchette, 50, of Imperial took this picture in January of her granddaughter, Annele' Vy Dao, 22 months. “It was the first time I baked with my granddaughter, and she was so happy to bake muffins.” Tania said. “Then she ran off with the spoon, laughing, and I was trying to catch her as she was running around the kitchen island.”
Mary Kohne, 65, of Festus took this picture on St. Patrick’s Day of her granddaughters, Maeve Kohne, 3, and Adella Kohne, 16 months. “They are currently on their way to live in Maryland from living in Korea for the past nine months,” Mary said. “It is important to me because I enjoy spending time with my granddaughters since they do not live here in Missouri.” Maeve and Adella are the daughters of Mary’s son Michael and his wife, Maddie.
Eric Knoll, 75, of Arnold took this picture in July 2021 of his granddaughter, Meera Smith of Arnold, at Bridal Falls near Highlands, N.C. “Captured the innocence of a child in a setting of nature’s beauty at its best,” Eric said.
Jewel Roach, 79, of Festus took this picture in January of her grandson, Benjamin Roach, 10, of Festus. “After getting another new friend to keep him warm, he wanted grandma to take their picture!” Jewel said.
Denise Grass, 54, of Herculaneum took this picture on Christmas of her grandson, Warren David Grass of Crystal City. “This picture shows me how sweet and innocent they are at this age and how precious he is to me,” Denise said.
Brenda Davis, 76, of Byrnes Mill took this picture in August 2018 of her granddaughter, Abbey Davis of Imperial. “Abbey was chiseling rocks she found,” Brenda said. “She was looking for treasures.”
Tina and Scott Weber of Festus sent a picture taken in March of their third granddaughter, Maizy Jean Byrum of Festus. “This photo is so special to us as little Maizy’s personality at 11 1/2 months old is really shining through with her squinty little nose and all,” Tina said
Darla Rieger, 51, of Imperial took this picture in June 2024 of her grandchildren, Liam Rieger, 10, of Imperial; Houston Rieger, 6, of Barnhart; Arabella Rieger, 5, of Imperial; Jack Rieger, 4, of Barnhart; Audrey Rieger, 4, of St. Louis; Ada Rieger, 2, of St. Louis; and Aspyn Rieger, 1, of Imperial. “We always took our three sons to the St. Louis Zoo and got a picture on this exact same gorilla statue,” Darla said. “Passing down traditions!”
Rex Rieger, 63, of Imperial took this picture in August 2024 of his grandson, Jack Rieger, 4, of Imperial. “It was Jack’s first trip to Lake of the Ozarks,” Rex said. “We’re carrying on the Rieger lake traditions that have been going on for 60 years.”
Gwen George, 61, of Herculaneum took this picture of her grandchildren, Parker George, 7, and Beckham George, then 1 day old, both from Imperial. “Parker is showing off her new baby brother, Beckham, to the world!” Gwen said.
Diane Murphy, 76, of Imperial took this picture in February of her grandchildren, Maeve Murphy, 5, left, and Mick Murphy, 3, both from Festus. “Their great-uncle had this box in the recycle pile,” Diane said. “Instead, I decided to surprise the grandkids with a ‘clubhouse,’ a ‘spaceship’ or whatever they wanted it to be. The smaller box in front is the ‘mailbox.’ They decorated it with markers and crayons.”
Diane Murphy, 76, of Imperial took this picture in February 2017 of her grandchild, Kellan Murphy, then 6, of St. Louis. “Spring was approaching and, seeing the birds outside on an unusually warm day, we found a tomato container in the recycling bin, sticks in the yard and string and sunflower seeds in the garage. We created a unique birdfeeder and hung it in the tree,” Diane said. “Kellan was thrilled to see the birds actually come and eat at his feeder.”
Diane Murphy, 76, of Imperial took this picture in 2021 of her granddaughter, Kendall Murphy, 7, of St. Louis. “I like giving the kids odd materials to make their own creations,” Diane said. “With large Styrofoam packing pieces, a small hammer, golf tee ‘nails,’ cardboard strip ‘boards’ and two hours assembly time, Kendall created ‘The Girls Fort’ on a warm November day.”
Diane Murphy, 76, of Imperial took this picture in December 2012 of her grandchildren, Josie Glenn, then 11, left; Elijah Glenn, then 9, center; Joshua Glenn, then 7, all from Ozark. “This was their favorite tree to climb in the yard, so when I saw all three of them up there together, I quickly snapped the picture,” Diane said.
Charles Hankemeyer, 79, of House Springs took this picture of his great-granddaughter, Amelia Grace Johnson, 4, of North Carolina. “She has the best sense of humor. She loves to make us laugh,” Charles said. “I thought of cousin It from the Adam’s Family. Everyone who has seen the TV show thought so, too.”
Susan Jeude, 76, of Barnhart took this picture in December of her great-granddaughter, Presely Stieren, 5 months, of Arnold, getting ready for her first Christmas.
Susan Jeude, 76, of Barnhart took this picture in December of her great-granddaughter, Presely Stieren, 5 months, of Arnold, getting ready for her first Christmas.
Christina Reed, 54, of Herculaneum took this picture in July 2024 of her grandson, Michael Reed, 11, of Hamilton, Mont., at the Butterfly House in St. Louis. “(This photo) captures his love for life and being silly,” Christina said. “Five minutes with Mikey and you will see the world a different way.”
Christina Reed, 54, of Herculaneum took this picture in August 2024 of her grandson, Vincent Reed, 10, of Hamilton, Mont. “This picture I took shows the real Vinny that has a heart for all animals,” Christina said. “He loves to catch them, learn about them and let them go.”
Maggie Valle, 55, of Festus took this picture last Easter of her grandson, Maverick Branson of De Soto. “He is our first and only grandson,” Maggie said. “He was all dressed up and having Easter with the family and wanted to wear the hat because ‘all the guys have a hat.’”
Ray Edler, 59, of High Ridge took this picture in August 2024 of his granddaughter, Annie Barden of High Ridge. “It was her first set of posed photos I took of her after she spent the first week of her life in the NICU,” Ray said.
Jen Kuebler, 61, of House Springs took this picture of her husband, Jeff Kuebler, with their granddaughter, Caroline Hampton of Imperial, at Bee Tree Park in St. Louis County. “The love between a granddaughter and her grandpa is like no other,” Jen said.
Jen Kuebler, 61, of House Springs took this picture of her granddaughter, Elena Hampton of Barnhart, at Arnold Recreation Center’s pool.
Birkie and Edie Hillis of Arnold sent this 2009 picture of their grandson, Jacob Hillis, then 2, chasing bubbles at his home in Michigan. Birkie and Edie said Jacob is “always on the move.”
Birkie and Edie Hillis of Arnold sent this picture taken in February of their grandson, David Hillis, 5, learning to play hockey. “Hockey runs in the family,” Birkie and Edie said.
Birkie and Edie Hillis of Arnold sent this picture taken in December of their granddaughter, Chloe Jopey, 28, holding her daughter, Isabella Schaefer. “(The photo is) special because she’s our first great-grandbaby and because we have another girl, finally!” Birkie and Edie said.
Birkie and Edie Hillis of Arnold sent this picture of their grandson, David Hillis, 3, of Arnold and Millie the dog. “These two are best buddies,” Birkie and Edie said.
Matt and Stephanie Mayer of Arnold sent this picture of their grandchildren. “Whenever we are together, we love group photos,” Stephanie said. In the back row, from left, are Blake Cook, Drew Cook holding Carter McCollum, Chase Cook, Nash Fenwick and Payton Fenwick. Front row, from left, are Hadley Mayer, Alivia Mayer, Juniper Mayer, Lane Mayer, Matthew Mayer III and Eden Mayer.
Sandra Fernandez, 65, of High Ridge took this picture of her granddaughter, Kamille Boyer, 1. “She is nothing but a joy and blessing!” Sandra said.
Sandra Fernandez, 65, of High Ridge took this picture of her granddaughters, Kenleigh Nichols, 6, left, and Aubree Francosky, 10, while on a sleepover. “These are my two precious granddaughters, who are a tad bit afraid of the dark,” Sandra said.
ValeRie Dulle, 60, of Hillsboro took this picture of her granddaughters, Edie Dulle, left, and Josie Dulle, both from De Soto. “I love every picture of my granddaughters, but I especially love this picture because when you view the world from their eyes, it’s the simple things in life that bring happiness and fun!” ValeRie said.
Ron and Linda Noll of Arnold sent this photo of their 5-year-old granddaughter, Maevyn, helping her parents with spring cleaning.
Ron and Linda Noll of Arnold sent this photo of their grandchildren, Brody and Willoh, who are 4-year-old twins, and Everett, 3.
Jim Barton of De Soto sent this picture taken of his great-grandson, Dyson Dunn of St. Claire. “He loves his animals (and is) always telling stories about them,” said Jim.
Jewel Bucceri, 70, of Imperial sent a picture of her grandson, Christopher Oaks of Barnhart. “Chris had gone with me to help my friend, Susan Kostecki, clean out a closet prior to her moving into their new home,” Jewel said. “Chris just happened to pick up her cowboy hat and put it on. I thought he was too cute, and I took the picture.”
Michaele Connors, 58, of Arnold sent a picture from October 2023 of grandson Tyson Bannister of Fenton. “Tyson had just begun making faces,” Connors said. “(It was a) hot day, and he wanted our drinks and not his.”
Claudia Foran of House Springs took this picture in 2007 of her granddaughter, Katarina Spisak, 1, while Katarina was hiding behind her dad’s leg. She is Claudia’s one granddaughter among five grandsons, Claudia said. “She can handle herself with the boys.”
Claudia Foran of House Springs took this picture in 2010 of her grandsons, Kraigy Spisak, 3, and Jack Spisak, 7. “Jack climbed into Kraigy’s playpen, and I snapped the picture,” Claudia said. “(They are) always fun to have around”
Barbara Menner, 72, of Imperial sent this picture of her granddaughter, Callie Menner, 8, of Imperial. Callie was visiting Barbara and decorating Easter eggs. “We love her infectious smile,” Barbara said. “We think she’s as cute as she is sweet.”
Jewel Roach, 79, of Festus took this picture in 2021 of her grandson, Benjamin Roach, then 7, of Festus; with his father, Patrick, behind him; his uncles, Darin and Tom; and his brother, Joshua, far right. “(It was Benjamin’s) first and only ball game so far,” Jewel said.
Donna Tooley, 59, of High Ridge sent a picture taken in October of her grandchildren, Arya and Maelynn Mosby, both 11 months old. “Arya: fast crawling, almost walking. Maelynn: taste-testing nature,” Donna said. “Mama Megann: hanging with babies.”
Debra Weber of De Soto sent this picture of her granddaughter, Mauriella Sauer, 3, on Easter. “The plaque behind her on the ground says, ‘There’s no place like home except Grandma’s,’” Debra said. “It’s the little things that bring simple pleasures to our grandkids.”
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Those who attend the De Soto Senior Expo on Wednesday, April 9, will find lots of fun and ed…
