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took great pride teaching Sunday school and serving her church community

Donna Leslie Ansehl, 83, of St. Louis, MO, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Donna was born on November 16, 1942, in St. Louis, MO, to Clarence and Alice (Graham) Jennings. She and her younger brother, Carl, grew up on Bradley Avenue and spent their childhood creating shows and musical events with cousins and neighborhood friends, which they performed in their backyard for family and neighbors. This developed a love for art and music that continued throughout her life. Some of the highlights of her childhood were family fishing trips to Cutaway Lodge in Minnesota and visits to “the farm” in Moscow Mills, MO. She spent her summers as a camp counselor at Sherwood Forest in Cuivre River State Park in Troy, MO, and at Camp Miniwanka in Michigan. After graduating from Southwest High School, she attended Central Methodist University and later graduated from Washington University with a BFA.

At a moon-landing party in 1969, she met her future husband, David Ansehl Sr. They married in 1970 and had two sons, David Jr. and Benjamin. She was active with the Cub Scouts, serving as a den leader and mentoring others in the same role. During the summers she remained active and would occasionally take a group of neighborhood kids on an early-morning bike ride, stopping at Grau Pastries for treats along the way. Combining her interests and skills led her into teaching art at Rogers Middle School in Affton and later, after raising her children, in the Francis Howell School District.

Her love of music, art, and creativity was evident throughout her life. She taught piano lessons in college, continued studying piano at Webster University as an adult, enjoyed attending St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concerts, and played piano for the Church of God in Morris Mill. Her creativity could be found in the kitchen as well. An avid and accomplished cook and baker with a vivacious spirit, she took great joy in preparing meals for her family, who always looked forward to her special Christmas dinner of goose with wild rice dressing.

Donna was a member of the Saint Louis Art Museum and enjoyed painting in her free time. Two of her most memorable paintings depicted her family. The first, painted when her sons were young, showed them on a seesaw and, as she explained, reflected the balance they created. The second, painted years later, brought together her sons, nieces, and nephew during a holiday gathering at Grannie’s house.

Her artistic appreciation extended to the outdoors, where she spent many hours gardening and working in her yard. As a member of the Missouri Botanical Garden, she would often visit Shaw's Garden to admire the plants and seasonal blooms and draw inspiration for her own garden. Later in life, she became a member of the Carlyle Sailing Association and looked forward to days sailing her Flying Scot sailboat on Carlyle Lake. Throughout her life, she was an active member of the Church of God and took great pride teaching Sunday school and serving her church community. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Carl Jennings.

Surviving are her husband, David Ansehl Sr.; her children: David Ansehl Jr. and wife, Paige Stoltenberg of Foothill Ranch, CA; Benjamin Ansehl and wife, Jennifer Heggemann of St. Louis, MO; her grandchildren: William and Elizabeth Ansehl of Foothill Ranch, CA; Adeline Ansehl of St. Louis, MO; her sister-in-law, Pamela Jennings of Moscow Mills, MO; her nieces and nephews: Robert LaRock; Cara Jennings of Los Angeles, CA; Corey Jennings of Los Angeles, CA; Corina Conder of Troy, MO; her grand-nephew and grand-niece: Graham and Gia Conder of Troy, MO; and her cousins Gerald Graham of Carefree, AZ; Steven Graham of Ontario, OR; David Graham of Denver, CO; and Elizabeth Long of Somerset, WI.

Remains will be interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association or American Cancer Society c/o the funeral home.

Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook @www.mccoyblossomfh.com