Elizabeth Herring

Elizabeth “Bunny” Herring passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024 at home on Rockford Farm. Family, friends, dogs, parakeets, flowers from neighboring gardens, operatic arias, and love filled her room all during her final days. Elizabeth was born on October 26, 1926 in St. Louis, the daughter of Ira E. and Elizabeth (Forrest) Wight. She was a graduate of Garrison Forest School whose motto “Esse Quam Videri” she tattooed on her ankle. In December 1949, she married Skyler “Swede” Herring. This marriage lasted until his death 55 years later. She was a descendent of the founding family of St. Louis, Madame Chouteau and Pierre Leclede. Another line started in Maine in the 1700’s and over time became a prominent family in New Orleans. Elizabeth rebelled against her expected path by studying ballet in New York then running away to Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus where she rode horses and elephants. She left the circus upon falling in love with Swede, her cowboy. They settled in his hometown of Encampment, Wyoming. In 1955, they moved to Rockford Farm in Eolia where they raised their four children, and she pursued passions of horseback riding, gardening, opera, ballet, travel, and cooking elaborate dishes. At points, Elizabeth worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse and a real estate agent. She went to Washington University later in life, earning a Masters in English. She worked with others to bring opera to Pike County with the 1982 performance of The Beggar’s Opera in the Clarksville Apple Shed. She devoted years to Prison Performing Arts, volunteering and sharing her endless love of Shakespeare and theater. She participated in the establishment of Circus Flora in St. Louis. She was an active member of St. John’s Church in Eolia followed by Trinity Episcopal Church when she returned to St. Louis after sixty years away. A constant was a love for the arts and animals, especially dogs and horses. She exemplified living life to the fullest, finding adventure in each day. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Ira E. Wight III, John Wight, and Nancy Wight; and her son, Timothy Herring. She will be missed dearly by her children, Holly Maffitt of Eolia, Skyler Herring of Eolia, and Heather Bonham of Savannah, GA, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eolia on June 5, 2024 at 11:00 am. Following the service there will be a Bunny worthy celebration at Rockford Farm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Prison Performing Arts or Circus Harmony, two organizations dear to Elizabeth’s heart. Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, MO is provider of cremation rites.

Elizabeth Herring

October 26, 1926 - April 11, 2024