Evelyn M. Meni

Evelyn Marie Meni,100, of Troy, Illinois passed away on Thursday January 19, 2017 in Maryville, Illinois. She was born in Pocahontas, IL on April 16, 1916, the daughter of the late George A. and Leta Ruth nee Watson Britt. She was also preceded in death by her husband LaRue whom she married on July 26, 1935, a daughter Carol Gassmann and two sisters Frances Kirkpatrick and Stella VanHook, and one granddaughter Connie Kelly.

Evelyn was a faithful 94-year member of the First United Methodist Church of Collinsville where she taught preschool Sunday School classes for 46 years. She was a member of the FUMC Priscilla Circle and for 65 years she was a member of the United Methodist Women of Illinois. For many years, she was a volunteer at Neighborhood House in East St. Louis and was also a member of Rebecca Lodge 154, Collinsville and State Chaplain of that organization.

Evelyn loved her family and thoroughly enjoyed all family gatherings " she was always ready to celebrate and embrace her loved ones. She was a Welcome Wagon representative for many years and enjoyed meeting new families moving into the area; she never met a stranger. Evelyn was a wonderful humanitarian organizing group travel tours abroad, including several trips to the holy land. She enjoyed camping, spending time in Branson and was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan who religiously watched the team play. The highlight of her Cardinals fan support came in 2015 when she attended her first home game at Busch Stadium and her picture was displayed on the scoreboard.

She is survived by her children Billie Jean (Franklin) Simpson of Edwardsville, Janice (Ardell "Art") Joseph of Collinsville, and son-in-law Donald (Carol Weber) Gassmann of Imperial, MO, 11 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, one sister Ruth Manning of The Villages, Florida and numerous nieces/nephews.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Collinsville, FUMC Priscilla Circle, the NiCE Foundation of Highland, IL or a Hospice organization of your choice. Condolences may be left at the online guestbook.

Friends may call at the Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Illinois on Sunday January 22, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday January 23, 2017 the First United Methodist Church in Collinsville, IL. at 1:00 PM with Pastor Patrick Campbell officiating. Interment to follow at the Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Collinsville, IL.