Ballwin's Woerther School Mourns Loss of 7-year-old

The death last week of 7-year-old Macy Tolbert, who was one of three triplets, saddened and shocked the community at Woerther Elementary School in Ballwin.

Wednesday night, families met for prayer and for planning in order to assist with medical bills and funeral expenses following Macy's death. Although the cause of the young girl's death has not officially been determined, meningitis is the leading consideration, friends of the Tolbert family said.

After the meeting, Macy was thoughtfully remembered by parents such as Susan Harris, whose daughter was friends with the young girl both in school and in their Daisy Scout Troop.

“I was shocked when I heard of this beautiful little girl not being with us anymore," Harris said in an email. "Thoughts of her giant hugs and gorgeous smile overwhelmed me. She would always wave and smile at me in the halls at school and sneak a hug in when she walked by. She had amazing hugs! I can never remember a smile not being on her adorable face."

Claudia Millonas, whose son shared classes with Macy for two years, agreed that Macy was a happy child.

"She was such a sweet little girl and such a pleasure to be around.  It is so sad that she is not with us now and we might never understand God's plan in that. Her loving sprit and memory will be remembered for years to come,” Millonas said.

“As parents, we are also touched by what happened,” Millonas said. “We all just want to support and be there for the Tolberts.”

Harris said it's nearly impossible to fully empathize with the loss for parents Shelly and Christian Tolbert. Macy is survived in part by her two twin sisters, Ella and Sydney.

“I couldn't imagine the pain and grief her parents and sisters must be suffering," Harris said. "I thought of my own children and how heartbreaking it was for Macy's life to be cut so short. She had so much to give. We will all miss her."

Some of the parents at Wednesday’s meeting were not acquainted with Macy or her family, but simply came to offer help.

Cindy Komorech’s daughter, too, attends Woerther Elementary School, where Macy would have entered second grade next month.

“I don’t know them personally, but at a terrible time like this it is good to be supportive and hopefully make things easier for the family,” Komorech said. “You can’t imagine your child dying. You don’t know what kind of pain they are dealing with.”

Supporters will host a "Kool-Aide Benefit" from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday at the parking lot as part of the community's effort to help the Tolbert family through ongoing prayer and financial assistance. Donations also can be made to the Macy Tolbert Memorial Fund at any US Bank location.

At the benefit, friends of Macy will have the opportunity to share photos that will be put in a memory book.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Schrader Funeral Home. The funeral service begins at 10 a.m. on Friday at Manchester United Methodist Church.