Former Ladue Mayor Edith Spink Laid to Rest

Edith Jenkin Spink, 90, the longest-serving mayor in Ladue’s 75 years of existence, was intombed yesterday in the family mausoleum at Bellefontaine Cemetery in North St. Louis.

Mrs. Spink was the widow of Mr. C.C. Johnson Spink, longtime publisher of the then St. Louis-based Sporting News Newspaper. (Now located in Charlotte, N.C.)

The Spink family were enthusiastic benefactors for many charities and nonprofit agencies in St. Louis, including the Saint Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Mrs. Spink was eulogized by The Rev. Roy Pfautch of The Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton on Monday.

In glowing terms, the Rev. Pfautch recalled Mrs. Spinks' undying loyalty to the city she loved, Ladue. Mrs. Sprink served as mayor of Ladue from 1975-1995.

Before the official ceremonies began at the church, The Rev. John Michael Wheeler read a lengthy narrative from Mrs. Spink’s close friend in England, Mrs. Mimi Packham.

Mrs. Packham praised Mrs. Spink for her devoted work toward better government, recounting a meeting with former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who later became a friend of Mrs. Spink.

The Rev. Pfautch fondly recalled the friendship, mentoring and donor activities of Mrs. Spink and her late husband.

“She (Edie) had a passion for St. Louis charities and was a forerunner of any serious environmental programs in the community. She had Ladue residents the first to begin recycling,” he said.

The Rev. Pfautch praised Mrs. Spink for all of her goodness and kind deeds. “She was our friend, and she was our sister, and now she’s at peace,” he said.

Flags will continue to fly at half-staff at Ladue City Hall until further notice.