Rhonda Kay Crane

Rhonda Kay Weber Crane, 63, St. Charles, Mo., resident and long-time business owner, passed away July 8, 2019, in Florida, after a valiant fight with metastatic breast cancer, following a vacation to New Smyrna Beach with dear friends and family. She was an incomparable mother, partner, sister, daughter, aunt, “Ghronda,” cousin, friend, and businesswoman. Born Oct. 9, 1955, Rhonda grew up in Cuba, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Bess Weber, and brother, Gary Weber. Rhonda will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter, Maggie Crane of St. Louis; partner, Mike Aubuchon of St. Louis; sister, Sue (Jerry) Scantlan of Sullivan; “adopted” daughter, Caroline Hoff of Chesterfield; 20 nieces and nephews, 26 great-nieces and great-nephews, and six “adopted” grandchildren; her beloved cat, Eddie; and a multitude of friends, as well as friends who were like family, and extended family members. Rhonda was the proprietor of Magpie’s Restaurant on Main Street, in St. Charles, for 35 years, fulfilling her dream of owning a restaurant and making her the most-enduring, single owner of a business on the historic street. Her recipes have been featured in Gourmet Magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and other publications. She previously owned and operated — on Main Street, Magpie’s Bakery & Creamery, River Star Café, and The Cats’ Pajamas. Rhonda also was active and influential on the boards of her homeowners’ association, Special Business District of City of St. Charles, and South Main Preservation Society. A true connoisseur of life and living, Rhonda enjoyed traveling, including trips to Yellowstone, Wine Country, Spain, Italy, the Northeast, and Pawleys Island. She especially relished her annual trips to New Smyrna Beach, where days before her passing she checked off watching fireworks over the beach from her bucket list. She delighted in New Orleans culture and cuisine and was known for hosting raucous Mardi Gras parties with Mike, complete with succulent shrimp and grits, gumbo, jambalaya, and corn bread muffins. She was also an avid fan of Cardinals baseball and local musicians, and she played a mean game of Words with Friends. A “mom” to many, her love and zest for living influenced countless lives. Rhonda hardly knew a stranger. She searched for and encouraged the best in people, and she showed her love by sharing good food and good music. A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 21, 2019, at St. Peter Catholic Church, in St. Charles, followed by a traditional, New Orleans-style “second line” parade down Main Street to Magpie’s 903 South Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to metastatic breast cancer research, through Susan G. Komen Foundation or breast cancer support charity Pink Ribbon Girls – St. Louis. Special thank yous are extended to Magpie’s staff, Rhonda’s best friends, caregivers, and dear neighbors, the staffs of St. Luke’s Hospital and Orlando Regional Medical Center, Visiting Nurses Association, and the offices of Drs. Barbara Jost and Daniel Cuevas. We all share in the grateful celebration of our “Mombo’s” gracious life, joyously and well-lived.

Rhonda Kay Crane

October 9, 1955 - July 8, 2019