Violet Marie Eldridge

Violet Marie Eldridge MARION-Violet Marie Eldridge, 85, went to be with Jesus at 4:05 AM, October 15, 2008 at Herrin Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Edward “Shorty” Alsip officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the services on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Memorials may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Violet was born on November 22, 1922 in Perham, Minnesota to August Bror and Nettie May (Othoudt) Hellberg. On May 4, 1943, Violet was united in marriage to Charles Eldridge in Vermont, Illinois. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage until his death on May 13, 2008. Violet is survived by her daughter, Sandra Skelcher of Marion; and sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Gail Eldridge and Don and Emily Eldridge all of Marion; grandchildren, Elizabeth Skelcher of Bloomington, Stacey and Steve Pomatto of Tennessee, Dustin and Noelle Eldridge of Marion, Gretchen Eldridge of Lafollette, Tennessee and Benjamin Eldridge of Marion; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Lillian Showers of Collinsville. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Norman Hellberg and Harold Hellberg; and sister, Margaret Elizabeth Rushing. Violet will be most remembered as a wonderful mother and grandmother who taught by example using all of the grace, love, wisdom and charm she possessed. She loved to cook and tend to her home. Family gatherings at her house never lacked for great food and warm hospitality. She was devoted to her family and walked with Christ through life’s journeys. She was a member of Spillertown Baptist Church. Violet was a beautiful person and will be sadly missed by those who loved her. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jeffery Parks, the nurses at Herrin Hospital, and Hospice of Southern Illinois for the wonderful care they provided Violet during her last days.