Katherine Marie Soule, 58, of Mt. Vernon died 7:45 a.m. June 12, 2003, at her home. She had worked as checker and receiving manager for Martin Food Store.

Mrs. Soule was born April 4, 1945, in Charleston, S.C. to Esmond and Eunice (Crosby) Smoak.

She married Merle Soule Nov. 1, 1971, in Portsmouth, Va.; he survives.

Funeral services will beheld 1 p.m. Sunday at Hughey Funeral Home. The Revs. David Houseworth and Dale Burzynski will officiate. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in rural Jefferson County. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Soule is survived by her mother, Eunice Smoak of Walterboro, S.C.; sons Mark Soule and wife Susan of Eureka, Kan., Tim Soule and wife Kristy of Towanda, Kan., Ed Soule and wife Tammy of Mt. Vernon, Duane Soule and wife Kendra of Bluford, Chris Soule of Lakeland, Fla., Jerry Soule of Mt. Vernon and James Shelby of Mt. Vernon; daughters Sandy Soule of Seattle, Wash., Sherry Stapleford and husband David of Eureka, Kan., Sarah Graham and husband Matt of Rosehill, Kan., Rita Cornett and husband Kevin of Eureka, Kan., Robin Bethard and husband Wendell of Mt. Vernon, Gwen Allen and husband Todd of Bonnie, Kellie Firlely and husband Mike of Beloit, Kan., and Gina Hardiek of Mt. Vernon; 34 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers Carol Smoak of Islandton, S.C., James Smoak and wife Linda of Walterboro, S.C., Danny Smoak and wife Kathy of Walterboro, S.C., and Joe Smoak of Walterboro, S.C.; a sister, Mary Hickman and husband Walter of Walterboro, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; a great-granddaughter, Anastasia Bethard; a niece, Naomi Smoak; and a nephew, Matt Alongi.

Mrs. Soule had been a foster parent for 25 years. She was a beloved mother and grandmother and was greatly loved by her family.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 for obituary information at any time.

Source: Unknown
Date: June 12, 2003
Submitted by: Ken Richardson