Catherine Ruth Waters

Godfrey – Catherine R. Waters, 100, passed away peacefully at home, Saturday, February 27, 2021. She was born in 1920 in Piasa, Illinois, the daughter of the late Robert and “Irene” (Barnett) Phelan. She was a 1936 graduate of Jersey Township High School and was employed at the Maple Inn before marrying Enloe Waters in 1940 in Medora, IL. Together they owned and operated Waters Blacksmith and Welding Co. in Godfrey for 45 years. She is survived by her children Bill (Brenda) Waters, P.J. (Rudy III) Helwick, Maggie (Joe) Anderson and Eileen (Thomas vonHatten) Waters; ten grandchildren – Cathy (Butch) Barnett, Jim (Christine) Waters, Jason (Cindy) Waters, Jerry (Sabrina) Waters, Richard Waters, Chrissy (Terry) Meininger, Teresa (Dan) Tenore, James Anderson, Rose and Grace vonHatten; 12 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and one on the way; plus 13 step-grandchildren, 33 step-great-grandchildren, 25 step-great-great-grandchildren and two on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Bob Waters and Joe Waters, and all of her siblings: Mary Phelan, Dorothy Murphy, Robert Phelan, Paul Phelan, Theresa Schmieder, and James Phelan. She was a founding parishioner of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in 1947 and a member of its Altar Society; a Madison County election judge for 36 years; the Ursuline Convent Auxiliary Quilting Group chair for 34 years as well as president, treasurer, and garage sale chair; the treasurer and kitchen manager for the Godfrey Township Civic Association; and a life member of Alton VFW Auxiliary Post 1308. She was known for her needlework, artistic hobbies and gardening. She lived her life in quiet grace. Due to COVID restrictions there will be a drive thru visitation at St. Ambrose on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., followed by a private family-only mass. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in Jerseyville, IL. Memorials may be made to the St. Ambrose Catholic School Endowment Fund. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Catherine Ruth Waters

May 1, 1920 - February 27, 2021