Lucille "Lucy" M. McElroy

Lucille Martha McElroy, known to family and friends as Lucy, was born on September 2, 1939, in East St. Louis, IL, the daughter of Paul and Vera née Goedelmann Wirth. She was baptized later that month at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Her family later moved to Red Bud, IL, where she attended St. John's Lutheran Church and school and confirmed her faith on Palm Sunday, March 23, 1952. She graduated from Red Bud High School in 1957.

Lucy worked as a secretary for Ralston Purina in St. Louis, MO, until 1974, when she devoted herself fully to her home and family.

It was through a church event that Lucy met Jerry Walter McElroy. On October 27, 1962, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Red Bud, she was united in marriage to Jerry. They shared nearly 58 years of marriage until Jerry's passing on July 18, 2020. Their union was blessed with one son, Craig (Jacque) McElroy. Lucy was a proud and loving grandmother to Lauren and Rachel McElroy.

Over the years, Jerry and Lucy were members of The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, both in St. Louis. In 1979, they became members of Peace Lutheran Church, where they worshiped and remained members for the rest of their lives.

She is survived by her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters Elsie Rowold, Pauline Prescher, and Carol Tharp; her sister-in-law Dorothy Rohmann; and their husbands.

Lucy treasured time spent with her family and friends. In her later years, she spent time visiting with family and friends and participating in bingo at Delmar Gardens South. She also demonstrated quiet strength in facing serious health challenges as a two-time cancer survivor.

In 2018, as increasing physical limitations made additional care necessary, Lucy and Jerry moved to Delmar Gardens South. In the years prior, they had cared for one another at home through mounting health challenges. As Jerry experienced the effects of Parkinson's disease, Lucy provided both daily assistance and steady emotional encouragement. Even after their move, her presence remained a source of strength and comfort to him, and being together there gave purpose to her days during the final years they shared.

Lucy remained at Delmar Gardens South, where she received supportive long-term care. She peacefully went home to her Savior on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 86 years, 5 months, and 20 days.

The family kindly requests that memorials be made to Peace Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.