Vera-Ellen, 64, of St. Louis, MO died September 6, 2003 at her home after a battle with kidney and liver disease. She and her husband Steve D. Withers celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on August 27, 2003. 

She was born in St. Louis, MO on December 20, 1944 the first daughter of two children of the William Richard Withers (1904–1962) and Helen Bennett Withers (1907–1992).

Vera-Ellen was a resident of St. Louis. 

She worked as a freelance performing and creative artist (Dancer, Mime, Puppetmaker, Performer, Stage and TV Director and Teacher). 

In 1975, Vera-Ellen began acting as Vivian. 

Vera-Ellen’s company performed at Puppet Showplace Theatre, Brookline, MA and she directed Puppeteer Paul Vincent Davis in new productions. 

Following cremation, a memorial service was held on Saturday September 17th at 1:00pm in the St. Louis Cremation.