Marianne Joyce Eldridge

Marianne Joyce (See) Eldridge, daughter of the late Abe J. and Mae E. (Grisham) See, was born February 19, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri. Marianne grew up in St. Louis where she attended school most of her life. On April 12, 1990 Marianne obtained her GED through Richland High School. However, as far as she and her family were concerned she “graduated from the Richland High School,” as it was one of her proudest accomplishments. Marianne was introduced to a handsome young man by the name of Darwin Edward “Eddie” Eldridge by his aunt. The two decided to go out on a first date, dining on a grilled cheese sandwich. It was “love after first bite” and Marianne knew Eddie was the one for her. After that infamous date, Marianne laid down an ultimatum that she couldn’t wait three months to marry him. It was then that Eddie decided he couldn’t stand to let her get away. So Eddie decided to ask her to marry him, and the two were wed on June 26, 1970, in St. Louis, Missouri. Together they shared over forty four wonderful years together and seven precious children, Vince, Ed, Anita, Keith, Tricia, Tina and Laura. Soon after Marianne and Eddie were married, Eddie rejoined the Army for a brief period time and was last stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Once Eddie received his orders the family decided to relocate into the small community of Richland, Missouri in June of 1977. Marianne attended Cornerstone Baptist Church and recently made a profession of faith, accepting Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. In her early years, Marianne worked in the family restaurant before leaving St. Louis. However, her most fulfilling job was being a homemaker, tending to her home, lovingly raising her precious children, and caring for the neighborhood kids. Marianne enjoyed many hobbies and interests. She liked dancing, playing Bingo, crocheting, and making blankets for the children, cooking, gardening and canning, sharing her bounty with friends and neighbors. Marianne had a deep compassion for the local community. Marianne is preceded in death by one son, Keith Allen Drope, two grandchildren, Joshua James Moore and Bo H.R. Dupriest, two sisters, Sylvia and Alice. Marianne passed from this life into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2014, while in the University Of Missouri Medical Center at the age of 69. Marianne leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, “Eddie” of the home, two sons: Vince VanHuesen of St. Louis, MO and Ed Drope of Wright, MO; four daughters: Anita Marie Savoy (Francois) of Hephzibah, GA, Tricia Ann Boller of Utica, KY, Tina Marie Eldridge of Osage Beach, MO, and Laura Mae Moore of Richland, MO; sixteen grandchildren; twenty one great-grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Marianne brought unconditional love and joy to the many lives she touched and will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Richland, Missouri with Pastor Chuck Baker officiating. Marianne's daughter, Anita Savoy shared loving stories about her mother and read a poem. Favorite recorded music included, "I Can Only Imagine," "Amazing Grace" and "Go Rest High on that Mountain." Serving as escorts were Family and Friends. A graveside service was held at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2014 in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Marianne Joyce Eldridge

February 19, 1945 - December 13, 2014