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In Loving Memory of
Arlene “Coffee” Kyro

Arlene “Coffee” Kyro passed away on March 22, 2026 in Maryville, IL, at the age of 75, surrounded by her family. She was born February 4, 1951, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of the late William and Virginia (Austermann) Coffee.

Arlene was the definition of strength, selflessness, and unconditional love. She dedicated her life to her family, always putting her children first. No matter the circumstances, she showed up—again and again—often in one of those softball/baseball mom shirts. Through every season of life, she was there: on the sidelines, in the stands, and in the small everyday moments that mattered most. To her children, there was never a question of whether she would be there—only the comfort of knowing she already was.

Everyone knew her as an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. She enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens and, most of all, being with her family. She loved holidays; her special little touches will be missed. Thanksgiving meant her famous homemade bread and pie-dough cookies. Christmas will always be remembered for the multiple gravy disasters. She always made sure everything was equal between her children, and we never hesitated to call her out if someone had more jelly beans than another. Her normal response was, “Shut up.”

She met her husband, Walter “Butch” Kyro, at the Highway Tavern November of 1972, “She was sitting on a barstool, drinking a beer, smoking a cigarette, and shaking her leg.” They married on April 12th, 1975, in Marine IL. She is survived by her husband, Butch; her children, Rod (Wanda) Sides of Sesser, IL, Jackie (Justin) Brooks of Alhambra, IL, Cindi (Kenny) Klenke of Moro, IL, Brandi (Sean) Harris of Thornton, CO, Johnny (Staci) Kyro of Hamel, IL; six grandchildren, Codi (Emma) Klenke, Jaylee Brooks, Jack & Avery Harris, Samantha & John Kyro; her sister and best friend Kathy (Denny) Leach of Glen Carbon, IL; her dog Sadie, as well as many other family and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents; her brother Richard (Kathy) Coffee of Kansas City, MO and her beloved dog Charlie.

Arlene’s career spanned from the late 1970s when she began driving a school bus, until her retirement in 2021 from the Edwardsville School District, where she served as the district transportation coordinator. She was retired about a week before returning to work at First Student. Known as “Sunshine,” she had an amazing work ethic and an incredible knowledge of the community—"there wasn’t a street in Edwardsville she didn’t know.” Her work touched countless lives, helping ensure the safety and care of students throughout the district.

While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the time we had with her and the example she set. She showed us what it means to be strong, and to always show up for the people who matter most.

A celebration of her life will be held March 28, 2026, from 3–7 PM at Worden American Legion, 237 W Wall St, Worden, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in honor of the grandchildren. John Kyro, PO Box 540, Hamel, IL 62046.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

 

 

Thomas Saksa Funeral Home 2205 Pontoon Rd Granite City IL 62040  618-876-4321
Saksa Mateer Funeral Home  210 N. Kansas Edwardsville IL 62025  618-656-7577

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