Obituary of Euritha Gay Congioloso

Euritha Gay Turner was born on October 5, 1948 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She was one of nine children born to James Thomas and Euritha Fern (Smith) Turner. Gay moved with her family to Monroe, Michigan at the age of four where she attended Lincoln School. On December 17, 1965 Gay married the love of her life, Bennie Congioloso. The couple enjoyed forty-seven years of marriage and were blessed with four children. Gay devoted her life to caring for her home and family. After her husband’s retirement, the pair moved to Lewiston in Northern Michigan where they resided for eight years before returning to her home State of Kentucky. After her husband’s passing in 2013, Gay returned to Michigan.

Lush with SunPatiens, Lilies, and Rose of Sharon, Gay was very proud of the beautiful flower gardens she grew every season. She also maintained a huge vegetable garden when her children were young. In her latter years, Gay always kept a pot of tomatoes growing on her porch. The birds and squirrels in her yard never went hungry. Gay always put out special food for them and never let anyone throw something out that she thought they might enjoy. A collector, she filled her home with bright décor and anything that brought her joy.

Gay was very spirited and enjoyed dancing to the beat of 50’s and 60’s classic rock music. She would hop on a bicycle or ATV to go for a ride with the kids on a whim. Gay was often at her husband’s side as he cast a line at his favorite fishing holes. A talented cook, she learned to make the Italian dishes her husband grew up with. Gay’s potato and macaroni salad, and especially her homemade pumpkin pie, were requested for every family gathering. She loved entertaining and her home was always a hub of family activity. The Congioloso clan often came together at the pool table Gay owned for decades. They also gathered for games of Euchre, Yahtzee, Canasta, and Oh, Darn It. Gay herself enjoyed frequenting the slot machines at the casino and lady luck always seemed to be at her side. Very outgoing, she always attracted attention. Gay was sure to be wearing the brightest color in the room with a smile to match. She would do anything for anyone, but you certainly didn’t want to find yourself on her bad side!

Euritha Gay Congioloso, age 74, of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Saturday; June 17, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Bennie Congioloso; and brothers-in-law: Timothy Hill and John Braden.

To cherish her memory, she leaves four children: Lisa (David) Reed of Dayton, Tennessee, Becky (Ben) Hurston of Concord, Michigan, Gina (Tom) Hindbaugh of Cynthiana, Kentucky, and Bennie Congioloso II of Monroe; fifteen grandchildren: Dustin (Casie), Ashley (Joe), Derek, Brandon (Nikki), Robbie, Rebecca (Michael), Thomas II (Vanessa), Michael, Ashley (Patrick), Angel (Rich), Andrew (Mary), Starr, Carli, Aubrey, and Maria; forty-five great grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren; and siblings: Ronnie (Kathy Lee) Turner of Eddyville, Kentucky, Kathy Lynn (Gary) Cobb of West Branch, Michigan, Patricia Hill of Monroe, James Turner Jr. of Monroe, Greg (Becky) Turner of Monroe, Rhonda (Bob) Kundrat of Monroe, Mary Braden of LaSalle, Michigan, and Brian (Cindy) Turner of Sequatchie, Tennessee.

Friends may gather on Saturday; June 24, 2023 from 12:00 to 1:00pm at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church; 14260 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161. A Celebration of Gay’s Life will begin at 1:00pm officiated by her son-in-law, Pastor Tom Hindbaugh, followed by a luncheon at the church. Gay’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place at the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation, of Erie, Michigan.

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