Evelyn (nee Ward) Grueninger, of Columbia, was born Feb. 8, 1932, in Leeper, Mo., to Mote and Opal (nee Adair) Ward and entered into rest Feb. 4, 2024, at the age of 91 years (four days away from 92).

Evelyn, fondly known by her family as “Aunt Dink,” 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.

She is survived by her son Herbert (the late Carol) Ray of Farmington, Mo., and his children Sarah, Emily and Adam; son Neil (Pang) Grueninger of Red Bud, his daughter Courtney and her children, Jayden, Kaydence and Demetria “Demi,” his son Tim and his children Ethan, Elizabeth and Chase and his daughter Emalee and her children Alexus and Kash; daughter Peggyann (Duane) Kloess of Columbia and her son Jason and daughter Kristen and her children Kamdyn and Mia; son Michael (Loretta) Grueninger of Fairmont City, his sons Michael and Kyle (Anna) and their daughter Amelia.

She is preceded in death by her parents Papa Ray and Mama Ray; siblings, Irvin and Teddy Ward and Doyle and Alice Ward; and her children’s father Carl James.

Visitation is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 10 at Chapel Hill at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre, Mo. 

A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 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.