Vida Belle (Schaeperkoetter) Schneider Mehrhoff, 97, of Higginsville, passed away on October 23rd, 2023.

She was born on October 25, 1925, in Mt. Sterling, Missouri, above the General Merchandise Store owned by her parents, Fred and Sylvia (Optiz) Schaeperkoetter. She joined three older brothers.

Vida was baptized, confirmed, and married in St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church of Woollam near Owensville, Missouri. She attended Mt. Sterling grade school and graduated from Owensville High School, Class of 1943.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Edsel Charles Schneider, on October 24, 1948. They moved to Lafayette County in 1954. To this marriage, two sons were born: Dennis Charles on September 18, 1949, and Roger Edward on May 17, 1954 (stillborn). Edsel preceded her in death on November 17, 1960.

Vida married Alvin Mehrhoff on May 3, 1963. Alvin had three daughters: Estell (Tom) Ainsworth, Beatrice (Bob) Gordon, and Wanda Kay Mehrhoff, who welcomed her and Dennis into the family. Alvin preceded her in death on May 28, 1983.

In March 1961, Vida became the first church secretary at Salem UCC Church, where she worked for 22 years. After retirement, she worked for Bob Jarman Insurance for over 20 years. She also inspired many ladies as a Mary Kay consultant for more than 20 years.

Throughout the years, she was a member of the Webb Extension Club, Women’s Fellowship, and Higginsville Women’s Club.

For more than 22 years, Vida called the John Knox Village East community her home.

In addition to her parents, husbands and son, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond (Cissy), Ivan (Romana), and Willard “Bill” (Eloise); step-daughter Estell (Tom) Ainsworth; and son-in-laws, Robert Gordon and Jerry Niemeier.

She is survived by:

Son:     Dennis (friend Debbie Vandiver)             of Corder

Step-daughters:        Beatrice Gordon                  of Columbia

Wanda Niemeier                  of Higginsville

4 grandchildren:       Michele Schneider, Kim (Doug) Limback, Eric (Cindy) Schneider, and Dustin (Amanda) Schneider

6 Step-grandchildren: Rita (Bill) Wallpe, Rebecca Gordon, Don (Barbie) Gordon, Mike (Lisa) Gordon, Richard (Sandy) Niemeier, Tina Gibler.

Numerous great-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Visitation will be Friday, October 27th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Salem UCC Church.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Salem UCC Church in Higginsville.

Following the service, the burial will be conducted at Salem UCC Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Salem UCC Cemetery or family choice.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.kaiserwiegers.com.