Juanita Ann Grimes

CREVE COEUR ~ Juanita Ann Grimes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by a lifetime of love and memories. Ann, as she was known to those who loved her, lived a life deeply rooted in her Christian faith, her family, and her love for others.

Juanita Ann was born on May 9, 1937, in Nokomis to Joseph B. and Wanita (Doner) Middleton.

She married the love of her life, Earl A. “Pete” Grimes on August 8, 1953, in Raton, New Mexico. Together, Ann and Pete built a life filled with faith, family, love, laughter, and many wonderful adventures.

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl A. “Pete” Grimes; their son, Bud Grimes; her parents; one brother, Walter Middleton and three sisters, Alice Micklautz, Marguerite Kieslar and Mary Wier.

She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, extended family members, church family, and the many friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Ann’s strong Christian faith was at the center of her life. She was a proud and devoted member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Creve Coeur, where she loved her church family and pastor as if they were her own. Her faith was not simply something Ann spoke about—it was something she lived every day. She shared God’s love through her kindness, grace, generosity, and the way she welcomed and cared for others.

Ann was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, but to so many people, she was much more. She had a special way of making people feel like family. She became an adopted mother, grandmother, and aunt to many throughout her life. Ann showed that family did not always have to be defined by blood; sometimes family was simply about choosing to love one another, again and again.

Throughout her life, Ann worked in the schools, proudly served as a school bus driver, and spent many years working at the Creve Coeur Library. Her love of reading followed her everywhere. She was always happy to share her thoughts about a good book she had just finished or a meaningful Bible verse that she believed someone needed to hear.

Ann also knew how to enjoy life and have an adventure. She was an avid boater and even occasionally enjoyed water-skiing on the lake in Kentucky. She loved fishing, camping, snowmobiling, tending to her flowers and gardens, catching a country-western show, and heading out on an adventure. Some of the best adventures were simply taking a drive for ice cream and enjoying time with her family.

Above everything else, Ann loved her family fiercely and was incredibly proud of them. She never missed an opportunity to remind those she loved just how proud she was of them.

Ann was a pillar of faith and strength to those around her. When someone needed encouragement, prayer, wisdom, a listening ear, or simply a reminder that they were loved, Ann was there.

Her life was a beautiful example of faith, grace, family, and unconditional love. Although Juanita Ann will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely, the faith she shared, the lessons she taught, and the countless memories she created will continue to live on through her family and everyone blessed enough to have known her.

Juanita’s visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Creve Coeur. Her funeral will follow at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Dwight Winnett will officiate. Juanita will be laid to rest at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 604 Groveland Ave., Creve Coeur, Illinois 61610.

To express condolences online, visit Preston-Hanley.com