Viola M. Koch
Viola M. Koch, of Murphysboro, IL, formerly of Sullivan, MO, passed away, Monday May 25, 2020 at the age of 99 years.
Viola was born in Japan, MO, on December 1, 1920, to the late Henry and Minnie (Mueller) Mueller. She made her home in the rural Sullivan area until 1991, when she moved to Murphysboro, IL to be closer to her daughter. Viola was united in marriage to Fredie Koch on May 23, 1942 and to this marriage two children were born, Judy and Dorothy. Fredie and Viola were able to share 35 years of marriage together before his passing in 1977.
Viola was a devoted mother and homemaker. She worked a short time at the Paramount Cap Factory in Bourbon, MO. She spent many years babysitting school teachers children, so she could have summer time free to do gardening and grow beautiful flowers. Grandma was well known by her grandchildren for always having homemade cookies to eat when visiting and maybe get to take a few home for eating later. She made many quilts, stuffed animals, especially sock monkeys, and other craft items for family members. Many family and friends shared a home cooked meal at her house with her delicious pies or cakes.
Viola had been a member of the Extension and Unique Clubs of the Spring Bluff Area. She was a member of the quilters group at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church of Sullivan, MO and at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murphysboro, IL.
Viola was not “wealthy” by Webster’s definition of “a great quantity or store of money, property, or other riches.” However, she was someone who didn’t need material things in this world to be happy. She always gave so much of herself in her cooking, sewing, or just sending a card with a written note.
Viola is survived by her two daughters, Judy (Ken) Tyree of Silsbee, TX and Dorothy (Ron) Manwaring of Murphysboro, IL; six grandchildren: Paul (Melody) Tyree of Jefferson City, MO, Patty (Jay) Mathews of Vidor, TX, Debbie (Willie) Netherly of Houston, TX, Brian (Veronica) Manwaring of Murphysboro, IL, Angela (Ronnie) Stanton of Murphysboro, IL and Kenetha (Tommy) Malone of Fred, TX; 21 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ida Gedville of St. Louis, MO; and many other relatives.
Along with her husband, Fredie, and her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Herbert, Oscar and Tony; and one sister, Alma Voss.
Funeral Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Reverend Josemon Hoem presiding. Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery in Sullivan.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, at the Eaton Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions in Viola’s memory may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Murphysboro, IL.
Friends may send online condolences to Viola’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.