Katie Jo Arledge

Katie Jo Arledge (nee Crites) of St. Louis, Missouri, went to be with the Lord at the age of 84 on Monday, October 21st, 2024, while at her home alongside loved ones.
Born to Edgar and Nola Crites on December 27, 1939, Katie grew up in Greenville, MO, where she spent her childhood. As a kid, she helped on the family farm, raised litters of kittens, and rode bareback on their horse. Additionally, she assisted in the family-run general store where, at a very young age, she learned to help herself to the candy case.
Hailed by her late brother as the smart one, she graduated valedictorian of her high school at the age of sixteen. At eighteen, she moved to St. Louis to live with her roommate, Jewel, and work as a bookkeeper for the Joseph Ward paint company. Throughout her life, she continued to visit Greenville often. In 1962, she married her husband, Eugene, to whom she was married for sixty-two years. For many years, they attended Concord Baptist Church, where Katie also served faithfully. Later, the two attended Arnold Baptist Church. Katie's favorite song was "Amazing Grace."
For over twenty years, she worked at Ralston Purina as a tax accountant. Many remember Katie for her excellence with numbers and outstanding organization. Even in her final days, her memory remained as sharp as ever, as she recalled names and places with ease, often also being the memory bank for Eugene as well. Katie was also always the one to plan outings, special events with church, and family vacations. Once, she even completed the daunting task of planning an extended family trip to Disney World, which everyone enjoyed. No matter what, she strove to make certain others would have a good time. Sometimes, she would visit the event locations by herself first in order to plan the best time for everyone else later. Additionally, she often put her crafting talents to use and created the best homemade Halloween costumes for her kids and sometimes even made clothes for the family. Also, as many remember, every Christmas she spent countless hours making sure the holiday was perfect for everyone.
Katie enjoyed traveling, and throughout her life, she ventured on many trips across the world, always with her husband, and often with other friends and family. When asked once what her hobbies were, she said, "Traveling." She visited much of the world from Florida to Italy, and her adventures ranged from an African safari to castle climbing in Ireland, and she listed Alaska and Switzerland as some of her favorite trips. No matter where she went, she often brought back trinkets and mementos of her journeys and shared them with her grandchildren.
Out of everything, Katie perhaps loved nothing so much as doting on her six grandkids. When they were young, she often babysat them, and they'd spend the night at "Popaw and Grandma's" where they'd gouge on the candy jar. She especially liked taking her grandkids out to eat, frequenting places such as Waffle House and Cracker Barrel. Throughout her life, she always appreciated good food, and some may remember her for her many recipes, including strawberry-cake cookies, potato salad, and black-bottom muffins. Still, on many mornings, she-with help from her grandkids-convinced their mothers to release them from their responsibilities to go for waffles or pancakes. No matter what, family often stood at the forefront of Katie's life, and she loved them with an ardent heart.
Katie was preceded in death by her parents, John Edgar and Nola Crites (nee Davis), and her brother, David E. Crites, of Greenville, MO.
She is survived by her husband Eugene. Son Jeff Arledge and wife Amy. Daughter Jocelyn Wofford and husband Steve. Six grandsons and granddaughters: Blake Wofford and wife Mariah, Mason Arledge, Brandon Wofford, Madeline Arledge, Kyra Wofford, and Maegan Arledge. All of St. Louis, MO.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Crossroads General Baptist Church, Greenville, MO. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon, also at Crossroads General Baptist Church. Burial will be in Crossroads Cemetery, Greenville. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com
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