Gladys Juanita Grillo

The world got a bit dimmer on Monday, May 9, 2022, as Gladys Juanita Grillo passed away at 93 years young. Gladys, who went by the name Nicki, was born in Mississippi on Dec 16, 1928. One of 12 siblings, her family were share croppers, and she grew up knowing hard work and picking cotton by hand. At age 19 she married Joseph Mario Grillo, on April 4, 1948, and the two worked hard and played harder during their 72 years of marriage. They loved to go out dancing, and were jitterbug champs. They filled their free time with camping, fishing and hunting, and all sorts of family gatherings and adventures. Together they had 6 children, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild by blood, but many more were blessed to become grandchildren through marriage, and they loved them just as fiercely. Her grandchildren knew her as Watie, and she filled their lives with wonder, and taught them so many things. Like how to put a worm on a fishing hook, how to laugh with your entire being, and to give the world's best hugs. Watie was hilarious, she was always making jokes and smiling with her brightly colored lips. She had green thumbs and could grow anything. She once bit into a tomato she liked so much, that she threw it down and stepped on it a bunch, and it later grew into another plant right there. She and Mario, who went by Mott (or Papa to his grandchildren), were quite a team. They led a modest lifestyle, but Watie seemed to mysteriously have a limitless supply of pasta or enchiladas or lasagna cooking. She made sure to serve an extra heaping spoonful, even if you were finished eating and protested that you were bursting at the seams already. She made the absolute best sweet tea, as only a southern girl can do. She would share the recipe with anyone who would ask, but would leave out a crucial step so that no one could match hers. She was a rummy champ. She could give you a run for your money with dice games. Watie filled her home with pictures of family and friends, and a lifetime of joyful memories.   After a long life filled with love, Watie has joined her husband Joseph Mario Grillo, in rest. He passed away on Christmas in 2020 at 102 years. She has also joined her children Jimmy and Gina, who preceded her. She is survived by her children Pam and Dave Livingston in Honolulu, HI; Gailene and Jay Elliott in Petaluma, CA; Randy Grillo in Riverside, CA; and Tony and Satomi Grillo in Honolulu, HI. Also by her sister Jean Fletcher in Bloomington, CA.   For everyone who was blessed to have known her during her 93 years, it still didn't feel like long enough. Watie loved Jesus and put prayer cards on pictures of loved ones all over her house. Jesus has now called her home. May God grant her rest. 

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Visitation w/ Graveside to Follow

Rubidoux Mortuary-Kimberly Family Chapel

Friday, June 17, 2022

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

6091 Mission Blvd.
Riverside, California 92509

Graveside Service

Riverside National Cemetery

Friday, June 17, 2022

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

22495 Van Buren Blvd
Riverside, CA 92518

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