Carolyn Gress
Carolyn S. Gress, 90, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 11:50 A.M. Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston, IL. She was born September 4, 1934, in Hoopeston, the daughter of LeRoy and Felmer (Warf) Miller. She married Donald “Butch” Gress, Sr. at the Catholic Church parsonage in Hoopeston, IL. He preceded her in death on January 2, 1988.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Linda Evans; one granddaughter, Lori Dawn Gress; and one step-granddaughter, Amanda Landers.
She is survived by her four children, Tony (Loni) Gress of Hoopeston, IL, Dennis Gress of Naples, FL, Robin (Chad) Thomas of Hoopeston, IL, and Greg (Sandy) Gress of Charleston, SC; one brother, Rick (Peggy) Miller of Danville, IL; sister-in-law, Madge (Dan) Silver of Hoopeston, IL; two brothers-in-law, Bob Evans of Milford, IL and Tom (Elnora) Gress of Hoopeston, IL; seven grandchildren, Mike Gress, Jason Gress, Aaron Gress, Eric Gress, Jessica Gress, Dylan (Kim) Gress, and Devan Thomas; four great-grandchildren, Brently Gress, Conner Hamilton, Ella Gress, and Jillian Gress; five step-grandchildren, Andi Garman, Ashlee (Scott) Polen, Scott (AnnaLu) Wilson, Randy Wilson, and Chris Wilson; six step-great-grandchildren, Zach Garman, Chas Landers, Blaine Landers, Baylea Hasbargen, Rori Wilson, and Reece Wilson; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two special friends, Ellen Lettman of Naples, FL and Sue Comstock of Hoopeston, IL.
Carolyn worked at Gulbransen, which later became CBS for 13 years as an inspector. She also worked for Payless Tours for over 20 years as a hostess on the bus which she loved and made many friends. Throughout those 20 years she traveled to many places including New York City where she saw her first Broadway show, The Empire State Building, 911 Memorial, Times Square, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ground zero. She was also able to travel to Washington D.C. where she saw the White House, the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery where they got to see the soldier’s routine at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Carolyn and her husband’s greatest joy was being with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They loved when their out of state families would come and have family get togethers. She and her husband also enjoyed traveling to Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas as they loved sightseeing, watching the shows, and a little gambling. Carolyn enjoyed playing Bingo, sewing, and needle point. She was an avid Illini fan and Chicago Cubs fan and got to attend her first Cubs game with her children at the age of 85. They even got to go out on the field while the teams were practicing. She loved Classic Country music and was a lifetime member of the Bootkickers.
A visitation will be held 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Saturday June 7, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home with Larry Baughn officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.
Carolyn thoroughly enjoyed her son-in-law’s Christmas light show and would like memorials to be made to the Thomas Light Show with checks payable to C & D Outdoor, 329 W. Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.