Evelyn Grueninger

Grueninger, Evelyn (nee Ward) of Columbia, Illinois, was born February 8, 1932 in Leeper, Missouri to Mote and Opal (nee Adair) Ward and entered into rest Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the age of 91 years (four days away from 92). She is preceded in death by her parents, Papa Ray and Mama Ray; siblings, Irvin and Teddy Ward, Doyle and Alice Ward; her children’s father, Carl James. She is survived by: Son, Herbert (the late Carol) Ray of Farmington, Missouri; children, Sarah, Emily, and Adam. Son, Neil (Pang) Grueninger of Red Bud, Illinois; daughter, Courtney and her children, Jayden, Kaydence, and Demetria “Demi;” son, Tim and his children, Ethan, Elizabeth, and Chase; daughter, Emalee and her children, Alexus and Kash. Daughter, Peggyann (Duane) Kloess of Columbia, Illinois; son, Jason; daughter, Kristen and her children, Kamdyn and Mia. Son, Michael (Loretta) Grueninger of Fairmont City, Illinois; sons, Michael, and Kyle (Anna) and their daughter Amelia. Evelyn, fondly known by her family as “mom,” “momma,” “gram,” “Aunt Dink,” “Evie,” was a proud graduate of Cleveland High School, Class of 1949. Throughout her years, she was active in her community as a dedicated member of the Women of the Moose and Parent-Teacher Association. Beyond her community involvement, Evelyn was an accomplished athlete, finding joy and fulfillment in dance ice skating and as a professional dance roller-skater. A cherished accomplishment of Evelyn’s was her obtaining a private pilot’s license, a testament to her adventurous spirit and fearless determination. Evelyn’s love knew no bounds and leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and joy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill at St. Francois Memorial Park, 6776 Vo-Tech Rd., Bonne Terre, MO, 63628. Funeral Ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. with interment immediately following at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre, MO. Family and friends can review and share stories, photos and condolences online at www.stlfuneral.com and follow details of this event and others in the community at www.facebook.com/stlchapelhill.

Evelyn Grueninger

February 8, 1932 - February 4, 2024