Almeda Lahr-Well

Dr. Almeda Marie Lahr-Well, 77, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.

She was born on October 11, 1948, in Granite City, Illinois, the daughter of the late Guy M. Lahr and Ruth D. (Douglas) Lahr. Clancy, as she was known to those closest to her, spent her early years living on Chouteau Island before moving to Mitchell in 1952, where she lived an idyllic childhood. On October 19, 1974, she married the love of her life, Ralph E. Well, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Edwardsville, beginning a marriage built on faith, love, and a shared commitment to serving others.

Through all things, Almeda’s faith was her highest calling. She knew God, loved God, and was a true disciple of the faith proudly raised in the Southern Baptist tradition. She professed her faith to anyone who could hear. From leading Bible studies in Spanish to furthering her own Biblical knowledge by earning a master’s level certificate in the Leadership and Ministry Program at Greenville College, Almeda’s love for learning was even more enhanced when she had her Bible in hand. More significantly, she lived her faith through every aspect of her life.

Almeda earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish / Italian and concert piano from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1969, her master’s degree in Spanish / Italian from the University of Illinois in 1972, and her Doctorate of Philosophy in Hispanic Language and Literature from St. Louis University in 1975. She was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lahr-Well Christian Academy in Edwardsville, where she faithfully served children and families for more than 40 years.

A gifted educator and lifelong mentor, Almeda also taught at the college and university level for more than 52 years, leaving an enduring impact on countless students. Throughout her tenure, Almeda led instruction at numerous schools including McKendree College, Washington University, St. Louis University, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and Greenville College, among others. Her passion for learning, unwavering Christian faith, and dedication to helping others shaped generations of young people and educators alike.

Almeda's dedication to education might only have been surpassed by her commitment to community and personal service by holding many leadership roles with many organizations, including the St. Paul United Church of Christ (UCC) Church Council, various committees of the Illinois South Conference of the UCC, UCC National Council for Health and Human Services, UCC National Board for the Coordinating Center for Women, UCC National Executive Council, Optimist Club of Maryville, Metro Center for Life Management, Chestnut Health Services, Edwardsville Chamber of Commerce, Region 5 of the Illinois Women Administrators, and the Alpha Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Later in life, she felt called to serve others by earning her Series 26 and 6/63 licenses and guiding others as an investment advisor for over 15 years.

Beginning with piano lessons at a young age and throughout high school and college, Almeda excelled at piano, organ, clarinet, and double bass (which she learned out of necessity after a catastrophic horseback-riding injury to her mouth). She continued her piano studies throughout her time at SIU-E and then spent the rest of her life playing and performing and directing for various instrumental and vocal groups. Almeda was the organist and choir director at St. Paul UCC for many years before accepting leadership as pianist, co-choir director, and handbells director at New Bethel United Methodist Church (UMC). She supplemented those times by also serving as pianist for St. Jacob UMC as well as encouraging others to pursue their own musical talents by forming and playing with several small musical groups at the churches where she served. For many years she enjoyed singing with the SIU-E Alumni Chorale, with which she toured twice to Europe, and Great Rivers Choral Society, with which she was able to accomplish her lifelong dream of performing at Carnegie Hall in 2025.

Almeda cherished her family above all else and found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved. She spent many years supporting the Glen Carbon Firefighters’ Auxiliary, where she was instrumental in establishing a scholarship fund for burn victims. As a band mom, she served with the Edwardsville High School (EHS) Band Boosters for eight years, was an architect of the EHS Band Craft Fair, and escorted the EHS Band on its tour to Europe in 1996. She hosted Grandma-Day outings for bowling, putt-putt golf and ice cream that were too numerous to count, and she proudly cheered on her children and grandchildren through hundreds of musical, dance, gymnastics, volleyball, bowling, ice skating, equestrian, and baseball games, tournaments, and competitions.

Throughout her life, Almeda was privileged to visit all 48 continental states, Canada, and more than a dozen European and central American countries numerous times. She fondly remembered her summer of study in Spain during college and proudly recalled that she travelled home from a travel/study trip to Mexico in 1968 with just two centavos on her two-day train trip because she “had” to buy a souvenir ring.

In addition to her devoted husband of more than 51 years, Ralph, she is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Alexia and Mike Eberhart of Cape Coral, Florida, and Arin and Dan Phillips of Glen Carbon, Illinois; five cherished grandchildren, Tessa and Ian Stembridge, Colton Eberhart, Astin Eberhart, Bryn Phillips, and Ryan Phillips; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roger and Barbara Well of Glen Carbon; four special nieces, Jennifer Volle, Tiffany Iberg, Amanda Baylor, and Susan Arnold; beloved godson, Russell Blattner; lifelong friend Gail Mueller; many beloved students; other extended family members; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and encouragement.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Guy M. Lahr III.

Almeda always responded with the words, I’m blessed. That simple expression perfectly captured her grateful spirit and deep faith. Her life was a testament to God’s love, grace, and enduring blessing, and she savored the blessings to be found in both the ordinary moments and life’s greatest gifts. Her kindness, compassion, and trust in God were evident to everyone who knew her, leaving a legacy of love, grace, and gratitude that will continue to inspire others.

A celebration of Almeda's life will be held with visitation at New Bethel United Methodist Church, 131 North Main Street in Glen Carbon, on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Doctor Penelope Barber and Reverend Doctor Jemiriye Fakunle officiating. Burial will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.

Memorial donations may be made to New Bethel United Methodist Church or the Great Rivers Choral Society.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home