WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
It is with profound sadness, but with hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Anne Elizabeth (Weatherwax) Massengill, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the age of 75. Born on January 23, 1951 in Three Rivers, Anne was the beloved daughter of Annette Marie (Egan) Weatherwax and John Henry Weatherwax.
Anne had a remarkable gift for making people feel special. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and always had a joke ready—often a little mischievous, sometimes delightfully on the edge, but always delivered with perfect timing. Her laughter was contagious, and her kindness made everyone around her feel welcome.
Her family was the center of her world. With her high school sweetheart, Loren C Wortinger (Lori), she was blessed with three children who remained the greatest joy of her life. She had a remarkable instinct for knowing what her children needed, often before they realized it themselves. She celebrated life’s happiest moments, stood beside those she loved through life’s greatest challenges, and was always there with encouragement, wisdom, or simply a listening ear.
One of life’s greatest blessings came in the fall of 1992, when her daughter Annette and Terry’s daughter Heather—who were classmates—decided their parents should meet. Terry arrived nearly two hours late for their first date, and Anne almost gave up on the date altogether. It became one of their favorite stories because, for the next 33 years, Terry spent a lifetime making up for being late on that first date. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and friendship. They enjoyed bowling together in a league, golfing, traveling, visiting friends, trying their luck at the casino, and making memories wherever life took them. Anne especially cherished volunteering during Pope John Paul II’s 1999 visit to St. Louis and often spoke with pride about dancing the Fly on stage with Chubby Checker—two experiences she always counted among the greatest thrills of her life.
She also had a remarkable way of helping others see the good in people. Whenever someone came to her upset, she gently encouraged them to consider the other person’s perspective. And when someone truly deserved it, she could always be counted on to grin and say, “That dirty bastard,” usually followed by laughter.
Anne believed there was dignity in hard work. Her strong work ethic began early while working at her parents’ restaurant, A & J Café in Three Rivers. It was during those years that she met her lifelong best friend, Sue (Carlson) Witucki, whose friendship became so close that Sue became part of the Weatherwax family, living with them behind the restaurant and remaining family for the rest of Anne’s life. Throughout her life, whether she was making donuts at Mister Donut in Three Rivers or Heaven Scent Donuts in Lake Saint Louis, or serving customers at Hoffman Street Grocery, Anne approached every job with generosity, warmth, and quiet determination. At home, she loved baking, cooking, fixing whatever needed fixing, and caring for the people she loved.
Anne’s greatest legacy was the love she shared so freely. Through countless quiet acts of kindness, unwavering support, infectious laughter, and unconditional love, she showed her family what it truly means to care for one another.
Anne is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 33 years, Terry R. Massengill; her children, Loren C Wortinger (Karenlynn), Laura Anne Wortinger, and Annette Marie Larkins (Scott); her cherished stepchildren, Toby Massengill, Heather Lynne Massengill Wahl, and Jessica Nicole Wenz Botelho (Mark); her treasured grandchildren, Bailey, Natalie, Austin, Owen, Liam, Max, Chloë, Dylan, Bentley, Paige, Brittany, Michala, and Kaleb; seven great-grandchildren; her brothers, John Phillip Weatherwax (Susan) and Eddy John Weatherwax (Kay); her sister, Annette Elizabeth Young (Matt); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Annette and John Weatherwax; her beloved Aunt Lyda (Weatherwax) Wohlberg; her brother, Thomas John Weatherwax; her nephew, Daniel John Forseman; and many cherished aunts and uncles.
Anne leaves behind a family forever blessed by her love, her laughter, and the countless quiet ways she made life better for everyone around her. While she will be deeply missed, the kindness she showed, the joy she shared, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in every life she touched.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Anne’s life during a visitation at Hohner Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Donations in Anne’s memory may be directed to Shriners Children’s or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church.
