Celina Bilderback

Bilderback, Celina Eleanor, 97, of St. Louis, Missouri, died Thursday, October 6th, 2016 at St. Andrews at Francis Place in Eureka, Missouri. She was born June 4th, 1919 in St. Louis. She is preceded in death by her husband Herschel Theodore Bilderback (married April 12th 1944), her parents Michael Scharafinski and Celina (nee Studler) Scharafinski, and nine siblings Michael Aloysius Scheriff, Anna Louise Crain, Albert Lester Scharafinski, Richard Leonard Scharafinski, Leona Marie Mayer, Theresa Catherine Killian, Robert John Scharafinski, Eva Scharafinski and Mary Patricia “Patty” Brown. Surviving are her two children, Carol (Doug) Raney and Gary (Janis) Bilderback, two grandchildren Rebecca (Dimitri) Kagaris and Craig (Angela) Raney; two great-grandchildren Everett and Elaina Raney; and one sister Evelyn Reker of St. Louis. Celina grew up in North St. Louis where she developed a close relationship with the Sisters of Notre Dame and the St. Joseph Shrine. She spent her adult years living in South St. Louis where she tirelessly took care of her family and friends. She enjoyed a fruitful career of 20 years of service at the old Deaconess Hospital where she worked in the admitting office. Celina enjoyed most of her retirement years at Terre Du Lac, MO. She loved to cook and enjoyed sharing her creations with family, neighbors, and even strangers she would befriend. She prided herself on the achievement of going back to school as an adult to earn her high school diploma as well as vocational training in sewing. She spent her early years working at the fur company downtown and tirelessly sought to use her money towards the benefit of others. She was a hard working woman who embodied the virtues of perseverance and hope, never giving up in spite of the numerous challenges that she faced in life. Celina will be remembered by all who knew her for her self-sacrifice and thoughtfulness towards others. The burial will be at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s at Francis Place, 300 Forby Rd, Eureka, Missouri 63025. Services by Chapel Hill Mortuary 10301 Big Bend Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63122.

Celina Bilderback

June 4, 1919 - October 6, 2016