Bertha M. Caraker

March 19, 1922 - June 6, 2019

Bertha M. Caraker, age 97 years, a resident of Buncombe, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 6, 2019, at 2:17 PM, at her home. At the time of her passing, Bertha was surrounded by members of her loving family. Bertha was born at the family home near Buncombe on March 19, 1922. She was the daughter of Samuel Joseph and Jessie Maude (Meneese) Littlepage. On August 31, 1940, Bertha was united in marriage to Delbert L. “Pete” Caraker in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1988. Bertha is survived by: her son – Delbert D. (Betty) Caraker of Marion; 2 daughters – Ann Ford of Karnak and Alice (Roy) Sims of Buncombe; a sister – Martha (Wilmur) Cluver of Watseka; a brother – Francis Littlepage of Sacramento, California; 8 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Bertha was anticipating the birth of a great-great granddaughter who will be born later this month. Additionally, Bertha is survived by a countless number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Bertha was preceded in death by: a daughter – Clara Osborne; 6 brothers; and 4 sons-in-law – Neal Ford, Fred Houseman, Johnny Racey and Jim Osborne. Bertha was a graduate of Buncombe Grade School. She also attended two years of high school at the Buncombe High School. Bertha was employed as a clerk by Arlie Grant at the grocery store in Buncombe. Additionally, she worked at Kinder’s Grocery and Restaurant as well as the Scenic View as a cook. Bertha worked for many years as a finisher at Florsheim Shoe Company in Anna. Bertha was a member of Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church near Marion. She was a 60 plus year member of Goreville Chapter # 1009 Order of the Eastern Star as well as holding a dual membership with Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star in Vienna. A service honoring the life of Bertha Caraker will be held Tuesday morning, June 11, 2019, at 10 AM at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church, 9950 Grassy Road, Marion, Illinois. Pastor Kevin McNeely will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery east of Buncombe. Following the committal service, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at Grange Hall Church. The family will receive friends and relatives after 5 PM Monday, June 10, 2019, at Grange Hall Church. An Eastern Star service will be conducted at 7 PM Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, c/o Owen Lee Webb, 1900 Mt. Zion Road, Vienna, IL 62995.