Alice Mae Gries

Alice Mae Gries, 93, of Damascus, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2026 at Wayne Woodlands Manor, surrounded by the love of her family. Her husband of 60 years, Charles "Chub" G. Gries preceded her in death on December 14, 2010. They were married on October 24, 1950.

Born at home in Fallsdale, near Tyler Hill, on June 7, 1933 she was the daughter of the late Edward W. and Bessie L. (Rolston) Eltz.

Mae was a member of the First Baptist Church of Damascus and also enjoyed fellowship and friendship with Calkins Baptist Church. Mae enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family. A mother of eight boys, she raised her sons with love, compassion, and steadfast care. Although life was not always easy, Mae was faithful in finding joy in each day. Many fond memories come to mind for her family. Her sons remember her saying, "Just wait until your father gets home!"

She will be remembered for the countless small and quiet gestures of thoughtfulness that she blessed others with throughout her life. Mae enjoyed sending cards, newspaper clippings, and notes of encouragement to friends and family alike. She had a gift for making others feel special.

Mae is survived by eight sons: Gary Gries and his wife Nancy of King of Prussia, PA, Larry Gries of Liberty, NY, Clayton Gries and his wife Lisa of Clarks Summit, Charles Gries and his wife Debra of Welcome Lake, Douglas Gries of El Paso, TX, Timothy Gries of Damascus, Stephen Gries of Houston, TX, and Joseph Gries and his wife Jess of Honesdale; one sister, Bette M. Kimble and her husband Fred of Brooksville, FL; 22 grandchildren: Corinne Altenor, Jonathan Gries and his wife Kelly, Emily Frank and her husband Addison, Christopher Gries, Melinda Johnson and her husband Derrick, Kristen Knopp and her husband Steve, Aubrey Davis and her husband Josh, Jared Gries, Belynda Gries and her companion Chris Timms, Jesse Gries, Amanda Gries, Nicholas Gries, Cody Gries and Brandon Gries, Autumn Gries, Knickson Gries, and Makinley Gries, Reilly Gries, Paige Gries, Owen Gries, Ethan Gries, and Kinley Gries; 19 great-grandchildren: Caleb Gries, Avalyn Gries, Gryffin Frank, Felix Frank, Olivia Gries, Lucas Gries, Amani Johnson, Derrick Johnson, Helen Gries, Christina Gries, Payton Knopp, Laycee Knopp, Justin Hopkins, Jayden Davis, Allie Davis, Carter Gries, Brody Timms, Genesis Gries, and Haven Gries; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mae was also preceded in death by a grandson, Lucas Gries; brothers and sisters: Beulah M. Smith, Ivan Edward Eltz, Evelyn E. Howell, Vernon L. Eltz, and Clyde A. Eltz.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Calkins Baptist Church, 527 Calkins Road, Milanville, PA with Pastor Lane Jones officiating.

Viewing will be Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 5-8 PM in the Calkins Baptist Church.

Burial will be Friday, in Hillside Cemetery, Damascus.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mae's memory to Calkins Baptist Church, 527 Calkins Road, Milanville, PA 18443 or Damascus Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 63, Damascus, PA 18415.

Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com