Rachel Sturm

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Rachel Jan (Frerer) Sturm, 65, of Chillicothe, MO, died at her sister’s home near Jasper, MO, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Jan’s departure to her heavenly home came peacefully with most of her immediate family, including her beloved cat Teddy, at her side, concluding a years-long fight with multiple health challenges.

She was born in Carthage, MO, on Oct. 28, 1957, one of identical twin daughters and the youngest of six children of the late Joseph L. and Marie (Brooks) Frerer.

She graduated from Jasper High School in 1976. She then attended and graduated from then-Missouri Southern State College in nearby Joplin in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Writing – especially creative writing, whether in narrative, poetic, or musical form – was one of the greatest passions of her life, as were music and pet animals, particularly cats. 

She also had an avid interest in family history and heritage, as well as housing designs and decorating, among other things.

Jan was raised in the Southern Baptist faith, attending Zion Baptist Church. She declared her acceptance of Jesus as her Lord and savior as a young girl and was baptized in waters near the family home.

Beginning during college, she worked in the jewelry department of Wal-Mart in Carthage, Jan advanced to assistant department manager in the Carthage store before becoming manager of the jewelry department in a larger Wal-Mart store in nearby Joplin. She eventually transferred back to the Carthage store, where she was manager until moving to Moberly after marrying. 

In Moberly, she worked part-time at a local jewelry store before becoming bookkeeper for the advertising department of the Moberly Monitor-Index for about five years until moving to Chillicothe with her husband and first of two sons.

Jan was married to Paul Sturm on Aug. 20, 1988, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Carthage, MO. The couple welcomed beloved sons Brooks Watson Sturm on Sept. 7, 1994, and Matthew Edward Sturm on Dec. 15, 1995. Her children and husband survive.

Survivors also include two sisters – Susan Myers of Jasper and twin, Rebecca Ann Terrill (along with husband Bill) of Carthage; three brothers – Michael (and wife Shirley) Frerer of Carthage, Fred (and wife Raye) Frerer of Duquesne, and Mark (and wife Mary) Frerer of Joplin; and many greatly-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother-in-law Steven Myers.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Ulmer Funeral Home. A visitation will be held 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Inurnment will be in Mitchell Cemetery, Jasper, Missouri.

Contributions may be made to Forrest O. Triplett Memorial Animal Shelter, 1400 S. Mitchell Ave., Chillicothe, MO 64601, in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.


Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.