Stella Louise Criger passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones January 5, 2025.  She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother during her incredible 87 years of life.

Louise was born on May 23, 1937, in Plato, Missouri, to two loving parents, Lucy and Salvatore Realmuto who shared a total of 9 children with Louise being the youngest. She worked for Stone Container as a machinist for 23 years.

Louise met the love of her life, Richard Glen Criger Sr., and got married on December 10th, 1954, on Mill Street. She told us that Glen was the most loving and kindhearted person she had ever met, and he was the only one for her. One can only dream of the eternal love they were blessed to share.

We will remember Louise, known as Aunt Easy by many, for her loving nature, playfulness, and daily endearing stubbornness, as it runs in the family. Louise was a great cook. It was her way of letting others know how much they meant to her. She had many cookbooks although she always cooked from memory. We couldn’t spend a minute with her without her telling us how much she loved us, especially her many grandkids. Louise enjoyed playing bingo, making quilts for her loved ones, spending time with family, getting her hair done and she would never say no to a mani/pedi. She especially loved watching Nascar and going to the Oldfield Opry with her son, Jeff.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Richard Glen Criger Sr.; son, Richard Glen Criger Jr.; and her 8 siblings. She is survived by her son, Jeff Criger (and significant other, Shanna Jordan); daughter in law, Lynn Criger; grandchildren Vinnie Hagerman, Richard Glen Criger III (and significant other, Lacey Waterman), Tara Householder (and husband, Hunter) and Blake Criger; great grandchildren Tyler Hagerman, Paisley Cones, Bristal Householder, Barrett Householder, and Timber Householder; and great great grandchild, Opal. She also leaves behind many other family members and dear friends who will sadly miss her.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, followed by a funeral service on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 3:00pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home North.

We will miss Louise dearly, but we are so grateful for the time we had to spend with her. We will always feel her presence in our hearts.

Arrangements are under the compassionate direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.