Sharon Mae Gries

Sharon Mae Gries

Jan. 15, 1949 - Nov. 27, 2023

EUREKA - Sharon (Sherry, Sher, Mo, Mumsy, Cheeky Monkey) Mae Gries passed away on November 27, 2023.

She was born to Ira Earl and Wanda Bridgwater on January 15, 1949, in Decatur, IL. She married James Gries in 1968, and they had their daughter, Stefani Gries, in 1972. They both, alongside many relatives and friends deeply mourn the loss of her in their lives.

This woman was all the things. No fear, no limitations. She was an artist, a competition tennis player, a voracious reader, a horsewoman, a music lover, a racquetball player, a baby oil sunbather, a clothes horse, a computer operator (back when the computer took up a whole room and used punch cards), a photographer, and a writer for the Woodford County Journal. She was a true foodie, and a phenomenal cook, the only exception being her Turkey Tetrachloride. She loved animals, and did not suffer fools gladly. She had free-spirited whims that always turned out even if not as expected. She loved Andrea Bocelli yet knew the 411 on all the artists on Yo! MTV Raps. She preferred Jameson and Margaritas, broiled scallops and very rare steak. She ate spinach out of the can.

Rheumatoid Arthritis hit her when she turned 40. She was forced give up the high-impact hobbies that she loved. She made lemonade instead. She took the Master Gardener program through the extension office, and turned her yard into a wild and wonderful paradise. As a family, priceless memories were made gathering the rocks at Ella Cummings creek for the water gardens and landscaping. The koi became pets, and she had a new full-time job with winters off.

At 67, biology came for her again in the form of Alzheimer's. It slowly robbed her and us of almost all of the things she enjoyed. We were forced to find new ways to communicate, and new pleasures in our relationship with her. We have always used humor in our hardest times, and that did not fail us in these toughest of trials. Until her last day she maintained her gorgeous smile with the naughty twinkle in her eye. All of our loved ones at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka can attest to that fact.

I'm so sad for everyone who lost her, but I grieve for those who never had the privilege of knowing her.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 904 Reagan Dr. Eureka, IL 61530. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. prior to the services at the church. There will be a lunch provided following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, family has asked that donations be made to TAPS Animal Shelter in Pekin, IL. www.tapsshelter.com.

Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at argoruestmanharris.com.