Elsie Van Meter

CAIRO, Ill. -- Elsie Marie Van Meter, 86, of Cairo died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 16, 1928, in Cairo, daughter of Arthur and Grace Bracken Denton. She was married to Walter Van Meter, who preceded her in death.

Elsie worked many years at restaurants in the Cairo area, most notably at Glenn's Truck Stop. She also worked as a respiratory therapist in area health-care facilities before becoming a full-time grandma. She was a member of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo.

Survivors include two daughters, Donna Marie Story of Thebes, Illinois, and Lora Lee (Clifford) Jerman of Hartford, Illinois; a granddaughter, Morgan Jerman of Hartford; a grandson, Mason Jerman of Atlanta; two great-grandchildren, Faith Marie and Tristen; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Deana Marie Story; five brothers, Willard, Vernon, Chester, Gerald and Ralph; and a sister, Pearl.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo, and from noon until service time Monday at Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Larry Potts officiating. Interment will be in Olive Branch Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Thebes Historical Society, P.O. Box 53, Thebes, IL 62990, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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