Nona Ruth Martin Grimes
Nona Ruth Martin Grimes
EAST MOLINE — Nona Ruth Martin Grimes entered eternal peace Monday, July 28, 2014, at the age of 91 years and 11 months, with her family by her side.
A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Ave., Moline. Inurnment will be at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Moline Viking Scholarship Fund or Quad-City AT&T Pioneers, who donate shoes to children in need, yearly.
Nona was born Aug. 11, 1922, in Joy, Ill., to Jay and Mattie (Rous) Martin. She graduated from Rock Island High School and attended Southern Methodist University. Nona married Merville L. Grimes on June 16, 1946, in Rock Island.
Nona enjoyed traveling and entertaining on their houseboat. What Noni will be mostly remembered for is her love of “feeding the crowds.” No one ever left her home with an empty stomach!
Through the years, Noni worked a variety of jobs, such as at the YWCA in downtown Moline, selling Avon, Moline Housing Authority and AT&T. She was a member of Riverside Methodist Church, Illinois Bell Pioneers, Moline Vikings Clara Lodge and Eastern Star. Noni volunteered at Illini Hospital Auxiliary, serving on the board, and John Deere Classic. Noni was a top cheerleader at her children’s events, especially their Moline High School swim meets.
Nona loved her family most of all, and family gatherings were her favorite place to be. Survivors include her children, Bill (Becki) Grimes, Moline, and Bruce Grimes, Erie, Ill.; grandchildren, Jason (Darcel) Shetter, Erin Shetter (Jeff Riddles), Jay Grimes, Jackie Grimes (John) Miller, Ben Grimes and Brody Grimes; great-grandchildren, Alex Hicks and Luke Miller; son-in-law, Steven Shetter (Nancy Gustafson); and special cousin, Debbie Webber Day.
Nona will be dancing in heaven with her husband of 61 years, Merv; her daughter, Maryann Grimes Shetter; her sister, Charlotte Martin; brothers, Rous and Harold (Spud) Martin; and her parents.
We would like to thank Dr. Vasan Purighalla and Trinity Rock Island for their care and kindness.
Online condolences may be left for her family by visiting esterdahl.com.
