Marilyn "Gramma Books" Eppler January 11, 1939 - January 13, 2026

Just two days after her 87th birthday, Marilyn "Gramma Books" Eppler closed her final chapter, leaving behind a legacy written in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

The oldest of five siblings-Barbara Hopkins, the late Justine Sherman, Mary Duenke, George Stein, and Laura Taylor.  Marilyn spent her life doing what came naturally: teaching, nurturing, and opening minds. After retiring from Saint Joseph's Elementary School, where she taught for 20 years, she simply couldn't stop. She volunteered at her grandchildren's schools reading to their classes. Retirement, for Marilyn, was just another chapter.

Her passions ran deep and wide. She could discuss Asimov and Harry Potter with equal enthusiasm, listened to Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and Aaron Copland, and relaxed with Magnum P.I., Nova, or The Waltons. Monet prints brightened her walls the way her banana bread and Texas sheet cake brightened her table. Nothing beat a good BLT with fresh corn on the cob, barbecued chicken, and a glass of lemonade-preferably shared with family.

And what a family. Marilyn is survived by her children Peter Eppler, Dianne Graves, Timothy Eppler, and Jennifer Iversen.  Gramma Books was love by 15 grandchildren in blood and love, two great grandchildren, plus two on the way, each one touched by her generous spirit. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, David F. Eppler.

If Marilyn taught us anything, it was the Golden Rule and what it means to be genuinely, generously human. Her creativity in engaging students and readers was matched only by her exuberance for teaching and her devotion to faith and family.

Gramma Books, your story continues in every life you touched, every lesson you taught, every kindness we pass along. We'll miss you profoundly.

Services: Visitation will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church, in Chesterfield, Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made in memory of Marilyn to Catholic Charities or St. Vincent DePaul Society . Please share memories of Marilyn and condolences with the family in the on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.