Susan J Gries

Susan “Sue” Jane Gries (Hillenbrand), 82, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2025, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and steadfast devotion. Born on June 27, 1943, in Evansville, Sue loved her family deeply and was a lifelong servant to others. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sue met her husband and best friend, Gene, at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. Their love story blossomed into a 61-year marriage built on laughter, trust, and companionship. Together, they built their brick home by hand—a labor of love that became the heart of many family gatherings, barbecues, and celebrations, warmly welcoming all who entered. Sue graduated from Marion Heights Academy in Ferdinand and spent much of her professional career at PPG. She was a faithful member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived it fully through decades of service in various capacities, including her involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where she ministered to others with compassion and humility. Simple joys and building memories defined her life—through camping with her grandchildren, cooking family meals, and escaping to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, her favorite place to reconnect with nature and her faith. She believed that nothing mattered more than family sticking together and walking with Christ. That belief ripples through the generations she nurtured, friended, and mentored. Sue walked with conviction and an abundance of love. She was a steady source of strength in times of hardship and a joyful light in times of celebration. Her warmth, grace, and generosity shaped the rhythm of family life, leaving an enduring imprint on everyone who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Loretta, and her beloved sister Ann. She is survived by her husband, Gene; her children, Julie (Tony), Jeff (Wendy), and Jim (Angelena); and her treasured grandchildren who called her “Nana”: Daniel (Chris), Amanda (Brian), Aaron (Megan), Kelsey, Zachary, Bailey (Kasey), Kerstin (Hudson), and Caroline. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Carson, Will, Xander, and Bo—each of whom she adored and prayed for daily. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Linda E. White Hospice House for their extraordinary care and compassion in her final days. There will be a Mass of Christian Bural held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Rev. Jason Gries officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 6:00 PM on Sunday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street and from 9:30 AM until service time on Monday at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 918 W. Mill Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry, 809 N Lafayette Ave, Evansville, IN 47711 or Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 918 W Mill Rd, Evansville, IN 47710. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com

Susan J Gries

June 27, 1943 - July 2, 2025