Granny Saffelder

Marion- Cleta F. “Granny” Saffelder, 84, of Marion, passed away at 3:40 AM, Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Anchor Care Center in Marion.

Granny was born on May 12, 1934 in Flush, Kansas to Leo J. and Isabel Margaret (Dekat) Gareis. She married J. Neil Saffelder on December 30, 1952 in Flush, Kansas. They shared forty years together until he preceded her in death on June 5, 1992.

Granny was retired as head cook of Marion Junior High School where she worked for many years. After her retirement she continued to take tickets at Marion Unit #2 Athletic events. She was catholic and a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. She was an active member who helped with the Friday Fish Fry at the Marion Knights of Columbus during Lent. In her spare time she enjoyed travelling with family to different locations throughout the US. She also enjoyed spending quality time with family at La Fiesta, Sunday dinners with family and the tradition of “cookie day” before Christmas.

Survivors include-

Son- Neil Saffelder and wife Karen of Creal Springs

Son- Scott Saffelder of Marion

Daughter- Gayle Phelps and husband Scott of Marion

Grandchildren: Shelby Phelps and significant other Chris Goode of Evansville, IN

Connor Phelps of Greeley, CO

Great Grandson- Javan Walston of Marion

Sister- Maxine Muir of St. George, KS

Sister- Anna Minihan of Topeka, KS

Several nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son- Russ Saffelder and grandchildren- Casey and Noah Saffelder.

A funeral mass will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, April 12, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church/ 600 N. Russell/ Marion, IL 62959. Father Brian Barker will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court/ Marion, IL 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com.