Vivian Deloris (Peiter) Drebes-Donelson

Vivian Deloris (Peiter) Drebes-Donelson, 93, of rural Marion County, Mo., was called to her eternal home Feb. 4, 2022, at Luther Manor in Hannibal, Mo.

She was born Aug. 4, 1928, near West Ely, Mo., the daughter of Albert and Lillian (Poppe) Peiter. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Ely, and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Palmyra. Vivian attended Providence and Todd rural schools, graduated from Palmyra High School in 1947 and Gem City College of Quincy, Ill., with a general business degree in 1978.

Vivian married Norman Drebes in 1952 (deceased 1994). Then she was blessed to also marry Paul Donelson in 2006 (deceased 2009).  

Vivian is survived by sister, Cathy Schade, Knoxville, Tenn.; brother, Bob Peiter, Hannibal; brother-in-law, Max Schaefer, Palmyra; and sister-in-law, Mary Drebes, Monroe City. 

The loving mother of four children, daughters, Norleen (John) Elliott, Chesterfield, Mo.; Linda (Jim) Sutton, St. Charles, Mo.; and Nancy Drebes, Columbia, Mo.; and son Glen (Cammy) Drebes, Oklahoma City, Okla.; grandchildren include Melissa (Trent) Lauer, Madalyn Elliott, Leslie Sutton, Jeff Drebes and Landon Drebes; great-granddaughter,  Claire Lauer;  step-children and step-grandchildren include Janelle (Clem) Koch, Palmyra; Jan (Tammy) Donelson, Louisville, Ky.; and John (Mary) Scholl, Springfield Mo.  

Extended step-family are Alan (Kim) Koch and family, Joelle (Derek) Fohey and family, Danielle (Eric) O’Donnell and family, Tara Donelson, Cole (Elizabeth) Donelson and family, Kristen (Justin) Lantz and daughters, Nathan (Gaby) Scholl and daughter and Ryan Scholl. Many nieces, nephews, and all the neighborhood kids considered her as Mom. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; son, Joseph Drebes,; granddaughter, Megan Elliott; sister, Jane Schaefer; sister-in-law, Carol Peiter; sister-in-law, Marjorie Schluckebier-Arp; brother-in-law, Arlen Schade, and brother-in-law, Bill Drebes.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Palmyra. 

Vivian was employed at Quincy Herald Whig, WGEM TV, Dr. J.W. Wells’ office, Zion Lutheran Church and School, Flower City Florist, Mark Twain Regional Office and Ben Franklin in Palmyra and Monroe City.  

She served and was an active 4-H leader for over 20 years, Marion County 4-H Council, Zion Lutheran Sunday School teacher and choir member, White Franklin PTA, and Marion County Water District Planning Committee.

She loved listening to music, attending music shows, gardening, flower arranging, crafts, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

A  funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, at Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra, Mo. Pastor Wes Gehrke will officiate. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.

Pall bearers will be Wayne Schluckebier, Matthew Peiter, Quentin Foster, Allen Foster, Michael Schaefer, Ron Kraft, Greg Drebes and Kris Graupman. 

Honorary pall bearers will be Ronnie Foster, Donald Drebes, Gary Peiter, Adrian Foster, Willis Schluckebier and Dwane Schaefer.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation to celebrate Vivian’s life from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11,  at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church, Palmyra Nutrition Center or Marion County 4-H.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute viewed at www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.