Sharon K. Gripp

Sharon K. Gripp, 84, of Annawan, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at her home.  A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 27, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annawan.  Reverend Stephen Engelbrecht will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded and inurnment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Annawan.  A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., prior to the funeral service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sharon Gripp Memorial Fund.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel will be assisting the family and online condolences may be made at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Sharon was born January 23, 1938, the daughter of Lloyd and Juanita (Atwell) DeReu, in Atkinson, IL.  She graduated from high school and went on to own and operate her own beauty salon.  On December 29, 1956, Sharon married Francis A. “Frank” Gripp at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He preceded her in death.  Sharon was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society for Sacred Heart, enjoyed playing poker with her children and grandchildren, cooking, traveling, and golfing.  She was a great seamstress, and especially loved attending sports activities. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving children, Guy (Brenda) Gripp, Annawan, Gay Childs, Keller, TX, and Gina Gripp, Moline, IL; grandchildren, Adam (Michelle) Childs, Ashley (Brian) Thomsen, Chad (Tara) Gripp, Andrew (Julie) Gripp, Garrett (Michelle) Gripp, Anthony (Katelyn) Gripp, Damian (Ashley) Olvera, Lindsey (Abraham) Olvera; great-grandchildren, Kendall, Reece, Tessa, Kellen, Addison, Whitney, Quentin, Theo, Knox, Gentry and Landrie Gripp; Alexander, Anthony, Ava, Abraham, and Apollo Olvera, Trey and Quinn Thomsen, Ames Childs, Emilio, Elias, Esai Perez, and Emora Longoria; great-great grandchild, Teagan Olvera and two sisters, Joline Williams of Collinsville, IL and Connie Queenan of Tampa, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Juanita DeReu; husband, Francis Gripp; brothers, Dirk DeReu, Michael Johnson; and sister, Pam Kolwey.