Lula St. John

It was easy to see that Lula St. John viewed caring for her family to be her primary purpose throughout her life. She never felt burdened or bothered by those she loved, rather she felt privileged to be a wife, mother, and grandmother. In fact, it was well-known that Lula would do anything she could for her family whether the need was great or small. She was also a woman with many colorful interests over the years, and all who knew her knew better than to ever speak a bad word about her favorite NASCAR driver. Some will remember Lula for her scrumptious holiday feasts while others will remember her for her love for the Chicago Cubs, yet all who knew her will remember her for her gracious and compassionate heart.

When remembering life in America during the thirties, one always needs to look at the lives people led through the lens of the Great Depression as this was a dominant force throughout the entire decade. By 1935, many Americans had lost their jobs, their homes, and their hopes and dreams, too. People did what they could to survive, however, often picking up and trekking across the country in pursuit of better opportunities. It was in this same year that Albert William and Martha Ann (Lainhart) Fox were able to shift their focus to an exciting time within their family as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lula, on May 17th. Lula was born in Foxtown, Kentucky, located in the center region of the state. She was one of eight children in her family and learned at a young age the incredible value of the love shared among family.

Life drastically changed for Lula when she met the man with whom she would share an abiding love for nearly 60 years. His name was Charles St. John and they married on December 2, 1951. On the day they exchanged their vows, they committed their lives to each other although people said they would never make it since they married when Lula was just 16 and her groom was only 19. As life unfolded though, these fully committed sweethearts would prove all speculations completely false. After they had been married for a time, Lula and Charles were blessed to welcome three children into their hearts and home: Dennis, Mike, and Mary Ann. Although she worked for a period of time as a cook at the 76 Truck Stop at I-70 and I-39, Lula immersed herself into caring for her family. Not only was she a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker, but she also took great pride in these roles as well. Lula instilled many valuable traits and values within her children, but the one that made the most significant impact on her children was her insistence that they be loyal to one another.

In addition to caring for her home and family, Lula was passionate about some other interests over the years as well. She loved to watch sports of all kinds on television, but her favorite sport by far was NASCAR. Lula’s favorite driver was Jeff Gordon – a well known name within the circuit as everyone seems to either love him or hate him. It was common knowledge, however, that no one should ever utter anything unkind about him in Lula’s presence! She also especially enjoyed watching her favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. Country music was another one of Lula’s interests along with watching Hee Haw and other old country shows such as RFD. She additionally enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri, where she loved taking in both the shows and the sights, which are predominantly centered on the country lifestyle she adored. Lula was affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star and was even a past worthy matron of the affiliates in both Eminence and Martinsville.

As much as Lula enjoyed pursuing various interests, it was her family that was really the heartbeat of her life. She devoted herself to caring not only for her children, but once they were grown for her grandchildren as well. Lula was always finding some way to shower her family with love or to give to them in some way. Her Christmas turkey was legendary in their family and then there was Thanksgiving, too. Who could ever forget Lula’s two kinds of dressings - one with oysters and one without. Although she enjoyed her time out, Lula treasured being at home most. Home was her haven, her peaceful shelter, and simply where she felt most comfortable. Lula also treasured the companionship of her Australian Shepherds, both of whom she picked out as pups.

Lula St. John was an extraordinary woman who made a significant impact on the hearts and lives of the family she treasured most. Although times were not always easy, Lula and her beloved Charles provided future generations with a picture of what a loving marriage and a good partnership truly can be. Lula enjoyed many things throughout her life, yet it was the love she shared with her family that meant the most to her. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they will be forever changed because they were touched and deeply loved by such a tender sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Lula’s memory will be forever cherished, and she will be dearly missed.

Lula St. John of Eminence, died February 2, 2010, in Select Specialty Hospital, Beech Grove. Lula’s family includes her husband, Charles St. John; sons, Dennis (Margie) St. John of Mooresville and Mike (Rhonda) St. John of Quincy; daughter, Mary Ann (Larry) Griesemer of Stilesville; brothers, Jay Fox of Martinsville and George D. Fox of Camby; sister, Ruby Alexander of Indianapolis; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 5 great great-grandchildren. Lula was preceded in death by siblings, Talmadge and Alfred Fox, Hazel Weddle, and Bessie McKinney; grandson, Fred Nicholas Haas. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 6, 2010, in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville, with calling there from 4-8 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2010. Burial will be in Brooklyn Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online registry, or make a memorial contribution to the Manna Mission, 65 W. Morgan St., Martinsville, IN 46151.