USEFUL LIFE OF MRS. C. A. KARCH ENDS EARLY TODAY

Funeral Services Will Be Held in First Presbyterian Church Sunday Afternoon at 2:30 O'Clock

" Mrs. Karch Died last night." Announcement of the death of Mrs. Karch was received with feelings of deepest sorry by all who knew her, and the universal comment following or proceeding the announcement was: "She was a good woman." Brief but eloquent tribute, and the sentiment of her hundreds of friends in Mt Vernon and Jefferson county.

Her name before marriage was Clarissa Adeline Wilmore (sic).

Mrs. Karch was born in Spring Garden Sept. 2, 1862 and was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wilmore (sic), highly respected citizens of Jefferson county in their day.

She was united in marriage with Phillip Karch July 31, 1881. He preceeded her in death nine years ago.

The following children survive: Sophia E., at home: William Oliver, Orville, John A., the last named of Belleville, and Artie, Mt. Vernon.

Two children preceeded her in death.

Eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren survive.

Sisters surviving are Mrs. Sarah Johnson, Sarcoxie, Mo.: Mrs. Addie Bybee, Belle Rive: and Mrs. Amanda Carroll, Kansas City, MO. Mrs. Stella Jenkins is a step-sister.

Mrs. Karch was able to visit the business section yesterday afternoon, with her daughter, in a car, but became suddebly very sick last night, death following at 2:15 o'clock this morning.

The body was taken to the undertaking parlors of O. B. Fly & Sons and prepared for burial, where friends may view it at any convenient time, up to the funeral hour.

Funeral services will be held in the First Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Robert B. Guthrie, and burial will follow in Oakwood.

As a wife and mother her home was ever in her heart and thoughts: she neglected no duty slighted no responsibility and in all the trying experiences of life, was the staid, capable head of the home, around which revolves the only real happiness known to many people. A home maker in the true sense of the word, a devoted wife and mother, a useful member of society, she nobly and beautifully played her part, enjoying the companionship and affection of her loved ones, and therespect (sic) of all loved ones, and the respect of all.

A devout and consecreated christian, she united with the Presbyterian church in the spring of 1999 (sic) or in 1889. The church at that time stood just south of the appelate court building, and was demolished a few years ago. It was built in 1854.

The present church used by the denomination was erected in 1895, and Mrs. Karch's membership dates from that year, in what is now known as the Furst Presbyterjan (sic) church.

Mrs. Karch always took a deep interest in the church and all it stood for, was a member of the Women's class, the Helping Hand, and a member of the Women's Missionary society. She was active in both organixations (sic), and in her quiet and effective way, was among the most serious and influential members of both. Faithful in her church attendance, true to the obligations of membership, she will be remembered for the practical good she accomplished and if "we are only remembered by what we have done," death ended a life of achievement, in which self was forgotten and solitude for the welfare of others, and loyalty to church and its obligations stand conspictuous, and an inspiration to all who knew her.

Mrs. Karch was a charter member of Jefferson Temple 123, Pythiah Blisters, and took an active part in the work of the organization. She did her part in carrying on its work, and the philantrophic principles it advocated.

Source: The Register News, Mt. Vernon, IL
Date: Saturday, November 6, 1937
Submitted by Kay Robinson
Relationship: Cousin