Viola 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) Muller. She made her home in the rural Sullivan area until moving to Murphysboro, IL in 1991 to be closer to her daughter. On May 23, 1942, she was united in marriage to Fredie Koch and to this marriage two children were born. They shared 35 years of marriage until his death 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 item 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 the world to because she always gave so much of herself in her cooking, sewing, or just sending a card with a written note. She is survived by two daughters, Judy (Ken) Tyree of Silsbee, TX and Dorothy (Ron) Manwaring of Murphysboro, IL; six grand children 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 and 11 great-great grandchildren; one sister Ida Gedville of St. Louis, MO; and many other relatives. Along with her parents and husband Fredie, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Herbert, Oscar, and Tony and one sister, Alma Voss. Visitation will be at 11 am on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Eaton Funeral Home is Sullivan, MO with Funeral Services to follow at 1 pm with the Reverend Josemon Hoem presiding. Internment will be at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Sullivan. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Murphysboro, IL

Viola Koch

December 1, 1920 - May 25, 2020