Eloise McGrane, 100, of Festus died Oct. 3, 2024, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. Mrs. McGrane owned and operated the Speed-Wash Laundromat in Herculaneum and South Mill Laundry in Festus along with her husband. For more than 20 years she was the organist, soloist and choir director for the former Assumption Catholic Church in Herculaneum. She had a passion for music and played with many local dance bands, “until Rock-n-Roll took over beginning in 1946.” Born May 2, 1924, in Herculaneum, she was the daughter of the late Christine (Horn) Deck Watts and Clement C. Watts.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Francis “Pete” McGrane.
She is survived by a son: Dennis B. (Karen) McGrane of Festus; three grandchildren: Scott (LaNette) McGrane of Festus, Monica McGrane of Festus and Michael (Kelley) McGrane of Arnold; five great-grandchildren: Zander McGrane, Ateari McGrane, Kaleb Bratcher, Zoey McGrane and Phoenyx McGrane; and a niece: Lana (Fred) Thurman Lednick of Festus.
She also was preceded in death by a sister: Melba A. (the late Hersel) Nokes; a brother: Glen Deck; and a nephew: Tim Nokes.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at noon Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.