Ruth A. Gross

Ruth A. Gross, 94, of Springfield, passed away at 6:20 a.m. on Friday August 29, 2014 at St. John's Hospice. Ruth was born on March 19, 1920 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Adolph and Wilhemina Kopicky Brzowsky. She married Paul Gross on May 16, 1945 in Baltimore, Maryland; he preceded her in death. Ruth was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey and Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Springfield, where she was involved in several programs including Missionary League, Choir, Sunday School Teacher and AAL Fraternal Organization. Prior to moving to Springfield in 2009, Ruth and her family lived in Alton, Edwardsville and Godfrey. She volunteered her time at hospitals both here in Springfield and Alton. She also volunteered for the Alton Theater Group. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards, bowling, weaving, movies, roller skating, swimming and the St. Louis Cardinals. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Roberta Gross; four brothers, John, Adolph, Jack, and Bill Brzowsky; and one sister, Amelia Pirino. She is survived by two sons, Dennis (wife, Shirley) Gross of Springfield, Paul (wife, Kathy) Gross of Fairfax, VA; seven grandchildren, Brian (wife, Toula) Gross, Thomas (wife, Jennifer) Gross, Denise (husband, Mike) Strawn, Mary Gross, Michelle Gross, Sherry (husband, Trevor) Boyd, Roger (wife, Jessica) Gross; fourteen great-grandchildren, Jack, Benjamin, James, Henry and Emily Gross, Evan and Wyatt Strawn, Cheyenne, Taylor, and Jennah Gross, Alexandria, Marissa, Lynae, and Miles Boyd; one sister, Delores "Dee" (husband, Jim) Donnelly. Funeral Ceremony: 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday September 2, 2014 at Concordia Village Chapel, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield with Rev. Wayne Hoffman and Chaplain Chris Nilges officiating. Visitation: Family will receive friends immediately following the ceremonies until 7 p.m. on Tuesday September 2, 2014 at Concordia Village Chapel. Graveside ceremony: 11 a.m. on Wednesday September 3, 2014 Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery, 2308 W. Delmar Ave., Godfrey, IL 62035. All are welcome to attend. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Concordia Village Lutheran Senior Services, 1150 Hanley Industrial Ct., St. Louis, MO 63144 or Lutheran High School, P.O. Box 7285, Springfield, IL 62791. The family of Ruth A Gross is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.