Carole Sue Clerk Heide left her earthly home to be received into the arms of her Heavenly Father on July 30, 2016, at the age of 83.

She is survived by her son Robert Karl (Darlene Sue Clark) Heide and daughter Kara Sue Heide, five grandchildren; Susan Jean Heide-(Wesley Laverne)Wexell, Robert Paul Henry (Alicia Suzanne Bell) Heide, Scott Allen (Laura Christine Lottmann) Heide, Melissa Kay Heide and Matthew Ryan (Alyssa Kaye Via) Heide and six great-grandchildren; Sean Patrick Heide (RPH Heide), Kate Heide Wexell (SJ Heide-Wexell), Ryan Heide Wexell (SJ Heide-Wexell), Olivia Lottmann Heide (SA Heide), Lillian Renee Heide (MR Heide) and Riley Lynne Heide (SA Heide).

Carole was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, on January 25, 1933. She was the daughter of lawyer Paul D. Clerk and Dorothy M. Atwill Clerk and the sister of Richard Paul Clerk. She was raised in Saint Louis and developed a great love and appreciation for the rich history of Saint Louis. Carole's childhood talents included drama and horseback riding. As a child she had several walk on parts with the City Players of which her mother was also a member, followed by school plays and summer stock in Maine. She also spent many summers in the West working on a dude ranch. She was an accomplished equestrian and enjoyed working with the campers at the ranch.

Carole attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she developed her communication skills as an English (speech and radio) major, heading up the school's debating team. She was active in school activities and a member of the Delta Chi Delta sorority. While in attendance at Bradley University, she met her future husband, Julius Robert "Bob" Heide, who was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. On September 14, 1952, Bob and Carole were married in the home of Carole's parents in Saint Louis. Bob and Carole returned to Peoria as newlyweds and began their family.

Early in 1959, Bob accepted a position with McDonnell Douglas and moved the family to Saint Louis. In the following years, Carole and Bob raised their small family on Rosedale Drive.

During these years, as a woman of many talents, Carole was employed by UMSL in the Admissions Office while starting up and running the Merry-Go-Round Preschool with her friend, Helen Preston. She was active in a number of community groups with her dearest friend, Ginni Bowie, including Pasadena Players and Cardiac Capers adult theater, Normandy Nomads children's theater, Keepsakes vintage fashion shows, Meals-on-Wheels and served on the Board of Directors with the Christian Northeast Hospital Auxiliary. She volunteered her diverse skills to these organizations with everything from designing and building beautiful and charming set furniture to managing the group's finances and everything in-between including performing, painting scenery, making costumes, stage make-up, and managing backstage activities. She was ready and willing to support the needs of these groups in any way she could by offering her endless clever ideas, artistic expertise and mathematical prowess.

Her love for entertaining others led to her involvement with Christian Clowns making numerous appearances as "Noel" the clown where she delighted children with balloon characters, magic tricks and singing while flopping around in her clever costume.

She was also accomplished in painting, drawing, sculpting, woodworking and sewing. She made many clothes for her grandchildren and participated in numerous craft shows with her homemade ornaments, wooden puzzles and several other original creations. She loved to give gifts, often handmade with her loving touches.

Carole radiated an inner and outer beauty that touched the lives of many through her loving nature and devotion to family and friends. Throughout her life, she selflessly committed herself to the needs of others. No task was too great or too small for family or friends in need. A delightful soul, Carole was always wearing a sincere smile, lending an ear or offering a hand. What a joy she was!

Carole will be remembered always for her nurturing spirit, generosity and service to the Lord. We were so blessed to have her in our lives. She will be deeply missed and forever treasured in our hearts!

The Heide family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Cedarcrest Manor and Optum Hospice for their care, compassion and dedication.