Lois Rae Babb

Lois Rae Babb, nee Porter, age 84, of St. Louis, Missouri, finished her race here on earth three weeks before her 85th birthday, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and is now at rest. A St. Louis native, born November 4, 1941, she grew up in south St. Louis city before her family moved to North County, where she graduated from Ferguson High School in June 1960.

While working as a nurse’s aide at Normandy Osteopathic Hospital and in a doctor’s office, Lois met Earl Thrasher. They married on June 4, 1966, and she devoted herself to being a wife and mother to their children, Susan and Don. A wonderful homemaker, she kept the cleanest, most organized home anyone knew. Caring for her family was her greatest joy.

Her strong work ethic carried her through every season of life. While living in New Mexico, she stood alongside Earl in his painting business and managed the family paint store, and she later managed a fabric store. Lois also worked in retail, selling men’s shoes and ladies’ hats, holding a particular adoration for hats. Lois and Earl spent almost ten years as full-time RVers; she loved to travel, and the new sights and experiences were made all the more precious alongside her loved ones. She loved to garden, cook and bake bread. She could sew anything and loved to needlepoint and crochet. She loved to sing, and music was often playing in her home. Her favorite music was southern gospel. She made countless treasured memories working in a booth at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

After Earl’s passing in 2010, Lois married Charles Gray in January 2012 and lost Charles that August. She married Richard Babb in October 2014 and shared nearly ten years with him before his passing in January 2024.

Lois’s faith was the center of it all. She received the Holy Spirit in June 1974 at Gospel Assembly Church in St. Louis, and Ephesians 4 was her favorite chapter. Wherever she worshiped, she was happiest serving: cleaning, working in the kitchen, serving in the dining room, and singing in the choir. Thoughtful by nature, she had a gift for making people feel special and never forgot a birthday.

In her own words, she shared in 2015: “I’ve been on many journeys in my lifetime, but the last 15 years I’ve been closer to the Lord… God gave me wonderful family and friends.”

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Porter and Dorothea Porter, née Langeneckert; and her husbands, Earl Thrasher, Charles Gray and Richard Babb.

She is survived by her son, Don Thrasher; her daughter, Susan (Cullen) Reed; her grandson, Brandon (Gelina) Reed; and her great-granddaughter, Sofia Lois Reed, who was named in Lois’ honor.

A visitation for Lois’s friends and family to gather and share memories will be held Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Gospel Church, 5470 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63129.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions made to Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association in Lois’s honor.

Lois leaves a legacy of faith, love, and kindness that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she has finished her earthly race and now rests in the care of the Lord she loved so dearly. Her life was a blessing, her memory remains a treasure, and the hope of a joyful reunion brings peace.