Mikla Kathleen Economy, 48, of Granite City, IL passed away on February 23, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. surrounded by loved ones. Mikla fought a long and brave battle against colon cancer that metastasized to her liver for the last 5 years.
Mikla was born to the late Michael and Tina (Waggoner) Economy Jr, on January 8, 1976, in St. Louis, Mo. She graduated from Granite City High School in 1994; and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at McKendree University. One of her greatest passions was soccer. She started playing as a goalie at a young age and continued playing throughout high school and college. Mikla made several lifelong friends while playing the sport she loved, even after college, in several local soccer leagues and tournaments.
For the last 20-plus years, Mikla worked for Republic Services where many of her coworkers became family to her.
Mikla enjoyed traveling, spending time with her friends, family and spoiling her niece and two great nephews. Most recently, Mikla was able to travel to San Juan, Grand Turk, The Dominican Republic, and Disney World in Orlando, Florida with her family, including her two great nephews.
Before Mikla’s diagnosis, she belonged to a local CrossFit gym, where she met a group of women that would later be known as “the misfits.” These women were her rock and always held her accountable.
On any given day of the week, Mikla would pack up and head to the campgrounds to spend her time relaxing and having fun with her friends.
Mikla is survived by two sisters: Mellina Economy and Michelle (Steven) Dailey; a niece: Stephanie (Christian) Barnes; and two great nephews: Easton and Everett. Who were the light of her life and her reason for fighting so hard.
Besides her parents, Mikla is preceded in death by her grandparents: Michael and Delores (White) Economy Sr., and Lewis and Irene Waggoner.
The family would like to say a special Thank You to everyone who visited with her while she was in the hospital. Mikla was an extremely loved person who will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 6, 2024 at St. Stephen’s Church Meeting Room, Located at 901 S. Main Street, Caseyville, IL 62236 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. We will have food and beverages as well. We look forward to visiting and sharing memories with everyone there.
