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Mary Alice Weber passed away peacefully – singing her way into Heaven on Thursday, March 23, 2023. She was born on May 4, 1928 in Sedalia MO, one of five children to Harry Edward & Mary Boyle Weber.
The family then moved to Independence, MO, then Kansas City, MO then to De Soto, MO. Mary Alice moved to Cape Girardeau to be near family in April 2021.

“Ms. Weber” attended Central Missouri State University earning her teaching certificate, as did many of the Weber clan. She began her 44-year teaching career in 1951 in Hartville, Missouri. She taught there for three years, teaching Social Studies; American History and World History; in addition to 9th, 10th & 11th grade English.

She left Hartville for De Soto and taught the remainder of her 41 years at De Soto High School until her retirement in 1995. There she taught English and later Social Studies, including American Problems, Contemporary Issues, American History, American Government and World Geography. She served as the Social Studies Department Chair, sponsored the regular cheerleaders, football and basketball, and some volleyball, the National Honor Society and Student Council. Every summer she took her cheerleaders to cheerleading camp. She was the originator of the first Washington DC trip in 1976. She loved those trips greatly, as did the students.

She was an inspiring American citizen, dedicated to helping all students understand what it truly means to be a patriotic and loyal citizen. Not only did she want them to become proud, loyal Americans, she truly wanted each of them to become successful adults, learning the value of hard work and determination. She was taught at a young age – as long as you can get up and move, go to work you will always have a dollar in your pocket and be able to take care of yourself.

Ms. Weber embodied what an educator should be – always focused on “the kids.” She was dedicated to her profession, her fellow faculty and staff, and her students. She worked collaboratively with the parents as a unified team to ensure success for every student. Her dedication to improving a student’s potential at school and in the community was monumental.

Mary Alice was a member of the Alpha Iota Chapter of PEO – Delta Kappa. She joined in 1960 and served as the third president of the Alpha Iota Chapter from 1964 to 1966.

“Behind the scenes,” Ms. Weber was a consummate philanthropist – “secretly” providing the schools with money for “the kids.” Her wishes were well known, and this philanthropic nature will be able to continue on in the schools for many, many years to come.

Loyalty, work ethic and dependability were three of her most telling attributes. Her commitment and passion for excellence in all aspects of life is unsurpassed. She built confidence in others and instilled in them a high level of self-esteem by being encouraging and positive. She willingly shared one of her greatest gifts with everyone she met – her heart power.

Her other activities and in De Soto are far reaching and too numerous to put in a concise writing.

Equal and probably greater was her love of her church St. Andrews UMC. She was a faithful member and follower her entire life, following in her parents’ footsteps. Her knowledge of God’s word was immense, her belief in eternal life and Jesus Christ unsurpassed. This faith carried her throughout her entire life, and through to the peaceful end.

Her family was her life. As were her many friends, prior students, and caregivers. Those caregivers over the past two years became her new “students,” and her influence over them was great.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers James, William and Charles Weber. Her brother-in-law Don Fitzgerald, and sisters in law Dorothy Weber and Lois L Woodford. Additionally, her nephew Kirk Weber.

She is survived by her sister, Margie Fitzgerald, her sister-in-law, Merlin Weber, nieces and nephews and spouses, John & Jane Fitzgerald, Jane Fitzgerald; Jan & Dave Rigdon, Kathy & David Bertrand; Bill and Mary Jean Weber, Mary Margaret Rogers, Charles and Linda Weber; Jim and Lori Weber; Douglas Weber, David & Alberta Weber, Susan and Scott Baum. A special nephew Tyler Fitzgerald. And very special & devoted friend Clark Wischmeier.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Andrews UMC, De Soto School District-memo line Community Service Scholarship, St Louis Children’s Hospital or the De Soto Ministerial Alliance.