Elizabeth Florence (Stedman) Grill

With sadness and deep appreciation for a long life admirably lived, we share that Elizabeth Florence Stedman Grill (100) of Taylor Ridge, Illinois completed her Earthly journey, and returned home to the Lord and peace, love and joy on October 29, 2023.   Elizabeth was at home with her family when she passed.  We celebrate her life of love, generosity and wisdom.  She was born November 20, 1922 at 4:00 p.m. in Charlotte, Iowa to Weldon Clifford Stedman (11/4/1890-11/6/1965) and Florence Elsie Hartz (3/17/1898-11/21/1978). She married Albert George Grill (4/28/1920-2/5/2006) June 27, 1941 in Canton, Missouri. They met at a Good Fellows dance in Davenport, Iowa, and loved to dance the waltz and swing to the Tommy Dorsey and Guy Lombardo Bands.  The Coliseum, the Aragon (Davenport, Iowa) and the Trianon (Chicago) saw Betty and Al “Slide Some Shoe”. They now dance together again.

Elizabeth worked from the age of fourteen as a live-in housekeeper and later a Nanny.  As a child, Betty’s family had many vegetable gardens and she learned to can.  In the winter, she would slide with her siblings on the ice at Credit Island.   She watched the Barnum & Bailey Circus elephants as they paraded down Rockingham Road in Davenport. She relished the treat of watching the clowns and animals right on the street.

Elizabeth attended Moline Community College and Davenport Comptometer School for accounting and office procedures. She worked in the Accounting Department for Sears and for Schmidt Beauty Supply in Moline, Illinois. She retired to provide child care for her Grandson, and said it was by far her favorite job.  She and Albert owned a candy store in downtown Moline and    would make chocolate candies as Christmas gifts for decades. Her taffy apples were relished by many. With a deep love of dogs, she worked as a dog sitter in her later years.

She was an award winning embroiderer; member of the Embroiderer’s Guild of Moline and studied with descendants of the Emperor of Japan’s embroiderers. She was a finalist in the Dispatch/Argus “Most Magnificent Mom” contest in 2012. She also taught herself to be a gourmet cook.  She cherished family activities, dinners and trips. She attended Faith Lutheran Church in Moline, Illinois.

She was most happy seeing others accomplishments, successes, and joys and always wished the best for everyone. She loved birds, could identify all bird sounds and fed them well, once being featured in the Dispatch as “The Bird Lady of Moline.” Hummingbirds were a constant delight.

At 94, when asked for any words of wisdom for her Great Grandchildren, she said, “Be nice and be honest, I love you.” She received hundreds of heaven’s visitations in her final years; and, when asked what “they” wanted everyone to know, she said, “They say ‘Be Happy and Love Everyone!’”

Elizabeth had eight siblings: Edward Weldon Stedman, Herbert Henry Stedman, Lucille Almeta Stedman Bethards, Marie Lois Stedman Underwood, George Raymond Stedman, Evelyn Phoebe Stedman, Clifford Adolph Stedman, and Walter William Stedman.

She is survived by daughters Carol Grill, Susan Schauenberg (Robert Schauenberg), Grandson Trevor Alan Schauenberg (Kyle Elizabeth) and Great Grandaughters, Whitley Ellen and Gabriela Pearl.  In Elizabeth’s memory, please spend extra time with your family, make a special meal for those you love, or dance to your favorite songs. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

Deep appreciation is sent to all at Promedica Hospice, Compassus Hospice, and all caregivers over 8 years who treated her with great compassion and respect. She appreciated your love and concern, as did the family.  A special thank you for many years of dedicated love, companionship and care goes out to Mayra. God sent you to Betty and the family at a time we greatly needed you and, we are forever thankful for you.

A private service was held by the family with burial at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline, Illinois.

Memories may be shared at esterdahl.com.