Marcia Jewell NADLER

Marcia Jewell Nadler (Billen), beloved mother, stepmother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024, from a stroke at the age of 81. Jewell was a cherished member of every community she touched throughout her life. Jewell was born to Clyde and Pauline Mouser on November 15, 1942. She remembered helping her parents with their strawberry business in Harvester and living in the basement of their house while Clyde built the upstairs. She graduated from Francis Howell High School in 1960, where she played the saxophone for the pep band and was a member of Future Homemakers of America. Jewell attended Lindenwood College, where she majored in Home Economics, laying the foundation for a life of nurturing others. On August 17, 1963, she married Roger Billen, beginning a partnership that would see them raise and support their children Don, Jennifer, and Becky. Family was at the heart of Jewell’s life. She treasured family vacations, especially those spent at Ghost Ranch and exploring other western states. She was a talented seamstress and made clothing for all three kids growing up, as well as baptismal gowns for her grandchildren. After taking a break to raise her family, she returned to teaching, serving as a substitute teacher in various capacities before becoming a classroom teacher. She established the computer lab at Mason Ridge Elementary despite having no background in computers. Later, she taught Home Economics at Central Parkway Junior High. Jewell made an effort to be inclusive of students bused from St. Louis City as part of the desegregation plan, ensuring every child felt valued and supported. Jewell's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was an active leader in her church communities. She wrote and published a church school curriculum with Hope Presbyterian Church, a testament to her dedication and creativity. The Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery recognized her work in peace activism. At St. John's UCC, she served as the volunteer coordinator, where her organizational skills and compassion made a lasting impact. In later years, Jewell and Roger moved to a larger house in Wentzville, where she cultivated a beautiful garden and hosted memorable family Christmases as her grandchildren grew. Playing Hand and Foot with Grandma is a special memory. After Roger passed away in 2004, Jewell found love again and married Larry, expanding her family to include Larry’s five children and their families. Jewell remained active and engaged in her final years, cherishing her independence and the comfort of her home. Traveling to visit her children and grandchildren brought her immense joy, as did creating new memories with them. Jewell’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service. She leaves behind a family that will forever be grateful for her unwavering support, wisdom, and the love she so generously shared. She will be deeply missed by all who know her. She is survived by her son, Don Billen (LuAnn Wangsness); two daughters, Jennifer (Greg) Baugh and Rebecca (Ken) Harris; two stepsons, Doug (Barb) Nadler and Darrin (Vicki) Nadler; two stepdaughters, Dana (Kraig)Kassel and Dawn (Tim) Anderson and grandchildren Adam and Hannah Billen, Rachael, Jared and Jessica Baugh, Jacob, Kyle, and Logan Harris, Kayla (Brian) Bitney, Kaitlyn Kassel, Rebekah (Doug) Schaffer, Bradin Nadler, Bailey Nadler, Tyler Nadler, Emily Anderson, Grant Anderson, and great-granddaughters Paislee and Emma Bitney; a brother Jim (Esther) Mouser, and two sisters Jean Steward and Jan (George) Banta. Jewell was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Pauline Mouser, her husbands, Roger Billen and Larry Nadler, and her stepson, Daniel Nadler. A memorial service to celebrate Marcia’s life will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Weldon Springs on Saturday, June 22. Visitation will begin at 2:00, followed by the service at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John’s UCC or Heifer International, reflecting Jewell’s lifelong commitment to helping others.

Marcia Jewell NADLER

November 15, 1942 - June 11, 2024