Meta Eleanor St Louis

     Meta Eleanor St. Louis, 84, of Orland, CA, died in Chico on Tuesday, June 24th, 2024. She passed peacefully at Enloe surrounded by family.  

     Meta was born in Chico, California in 1939 to Jacob and Iva (Rexroad) Varner and had fond memories of growing up and attending school in Orland. However, as the youngest of five siblings, she often remarked that the youngest child didn’t get away with anything. Meta met the love of her life - Art St. Louis and they were married in 1975. Together they raised four children; Buddy, Al, Kirsty, and Eric, then enjoyed spoiling their grandchildren. Art and Meta loved traveling and made the most of their early retirement with family and friends. They both adored yearly trips to Fort Bragg, Lake Almanor, and the bus trip to Reno. Meta often said they needed a second bus for the Reno trip, so they could include all their family and friends. Sadly, Art passed away in 2014, cutting their time together too short. 

     Meta often joked that she had too many hobbies. She loved to paint and was in the middle of painting garden rocks for her grandson the week she passed. Meta was an avid gardener and looked forward to the garden club nursery crawls hunting for succulents. She had a deep love for reading and enjoyed working at the friends of the library book sales, keeping an eye out for books to read all year. Meta was also a great baker and was known for her own takes on Grandma Rita’s biscotti recipe. 

     In respect of Meta’s wishes, we are not planning a viewing or service. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to one of her favorite groups: The Friendly Garden Club of Orland, St Dominic’s Altar Society, Orland Friends of the Library, or a charity of your choice. Meta will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends.  She will never be forgotten and leaves us with a legacy of love and cherished memories to last a lifetime.