Catherine Muck

August 5, 1919 - September 2, 2018

Catherine Muck, age 99 years, a resident of rural Tunnel Hill, passed away Sunday morning, September 2, 2018, at 7:10 AM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Catherine was born August 5, 1919 in Marion County Illinois. She was the daughter of Clarence E. and Bessie (Kennedy) Walkington. On May 8, 1940, Catherine was united in marriage to Donald R. Muck at her parent’s home near Tunnel Hill. Together, Donald and Catherine enjoyed over 71 years of marriage until his passing on August 10, 2011. Catherine is survived by: 5 grandchildren; a nephew; 4 nieces and a host of friends, special neighbors and her church family. In addition to her parents and husband, Catherine was preceded in death by: a son – James Dennis Muck and a daughter – Patricia Sue Muck. Catherine attended the Sullins Grade School until her 5th grade year. She then attended Vienna Grade School and was a 1937 graduate of Vienna High School. Following high school, Catherine attended the Jacksonville Women’s College for 1 year and then received her teaching certification from Southern Illinois University. Catherine was a lifelong educator. She taught at Grantsburg, Mt. Pisgah, Taylor, Ozark and Tunnel Hill schools. Her final teaching position was as a Title II reading instructor. Catherine was the oldest member of the Johnson County Homemaker’s Extension. She had been a member of the organization for 78 years. Additionally, Catherine was a 71 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She originally was a member of the New Burnside Chapter and was currently a member of Egyptian Chapter # 30 O.E.S. at Vienna. Catherine was a faithful member of Taylor United Methodist Church. She served as the church organist for many years and had last played for services on her 99th birthday, August 5, 2018. Catherine is fondly remembered by her family for her love of reading. She had a dry wit and sense of humor. Catherine also enjoyed making embroidered handcrafted items and working jigsaw puzzles. Catherine was proud that her family lineage could be directly traced to President Abraham Lincoln. A service honoring the life of Catherine Muck will he conducted Wednesday morning, September 5, 2018, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Eastern Star rites will be accorded by members of Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star. Following the Eastern Star rites, a funeral service conducted by Catherine’s pastor, Rocio Reyes Williams, will be held. Burial will be in the Reynoldsburg Cemetery near Tunnel Hill. Visitation will be from 10 AM – 11 AM Wednesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Taylor United Methodist Church, c/o Joyce Gray, 701 Locust Street, Vienna, IL 62995.