Mrs. Mary Ellen Grissom, 90, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, September 28, 2010.

She was born in Howell County, Missouri on October 10, 1919, the daughter of the late George Eugene and Etta (nee: Fickle) Spoor. Mrs. Grissom left the family farm at the end of the Great Depression to live and work in the southeastern corner of Missouri. It was there that she met her future husband, James Hassel Grissom, at the church they attended. They married on June 8, 1941 in Clay County, Arkansas. James preceded her in death on September 18, 1988.

For almost 71 years, Mrs. Grissom spent her life in service to her husband and sons. An exceptional mother and grandmother, she enjoyed making her family dozens of quilts that she distributed with love over the course of several decades. She also crocheted hundreds of baby beanies that were donated to Kenosha Memorial Hospital and other various charitable organizations.

Mrs. Grissom was a loving, caring Christian woman who attended Spring Street Church of Christ in Racine.

Her survivors include her sons, James L. Grissom of Kenosha, Gary (Peggy) Grissom of Racine, Steven (Diana) Grissom of Kenosha, Michael Grissom of Racine; grandchildren, Lynae (Randy) Wolfgram of Appleton, Jeffrey (Carrie) Grissom of Franklin; Tom Grissom of Racine; great grandchildren, Austin Grissom, Matthew and Maria Wolfgram, Ethan, Emily and Brenna Grissom; sister-in-law, Cynthia (Soule) Grissom of Kenosha, and nieces Shirley (Darrell) Burns and Lillian Weiss both of Kenosha. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Grissom was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Grissom and grandson, Gregory Grissom.

Family and friends are invited to meet at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. for the celebration of Mary's life and funeral service with Craig Bean officiating. There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Sunday from 2-3 p.m. A private interment will take place in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Memorials in Mrs. Grissom's name may be made to the Spring Street Church of Christ.

"Her children arise up and call her blessed."