Karen Sue Williams

Karen Sue Williams, age 60 died suddenly on May 8, 2012 in Texas.  Karen was born on December 5, 1951 in Herrin, IL to the late Glenn and Alice (Buford) Smith.  She graduated from Herrin High School in 1969. She was an Illinois State Scholar who had planned to attend College, but shortly after graduation she met the love of her life Larry Dean Williams.  Karen and Larry married in December of 1969 and shared the joys and sorrows this life had to offer for the past 42 years.  Their first 18 years together, Karen and Larry spent raising their two children, Glenn Patrick and Leah Kay just outside of Ridgway.  Seeing that her children were nearly grown Karen resumed her dream of obtaining a college education in 1988.  She attended her first 2 years at SIC where she received various awards and scholarships, most notably the Matthew J. Fry Scholarship for Accounting majors.  Karen graduated Magna Cum Laude from SIC in 1990 and transferred to the University of Southern Indiana where she graduated with honors.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend and will be greatly missed.

Karen is survived her husband, Larry Williams, son, Glenn Williams of Brandenburg, KY a daughter, Leah Williams of Shawneetown,Il., 2 sisters, Barbara Morgan of Harrisburg and Wilma Threlkeld of Herrin, IL.  2 Grandchildren.

Visitation for Karen will be Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  Funeral for Karen will be on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the funeral home starting at 1:00 PM.  Interment will follow in the Hogan Cemetery south of Shawneetown.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com

Charles Joseph Mosby

Charles Joseph Mosby, age 78, passed away at his home on April 29, 2012 from a battle with cancer.  Joe as most knew him was born in Saline County, IL on February 10, 1934 to the late A.B. and Ama (Edwards) Mosby.  He was married on October 5, 1952 to Willia Bea (Kingston).

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Rock Lee Mosby, a brother, Floyd Mosby, and a grandson, Chris Downen.

Survived by his wife, Willia Bea, of 59 years; three daughters, Burdetta Kay Downen (Bobby) of Shawneetown, Kimberly Jo Downen (Steve) of Karbers Ridge, and Jeri Ann Matz (John) of Wauchula, Fl; ten grandchildren; Courtney Downen Oldham (Joel), Jordan Downen Ahrens (Paul), Sara Mosby Zender (Chris), Emmy Mosby Baustian (Brett), Hank Downen (Barbie), Kassidy Downen, Lucas and Wyatt Downen, Noah and Will Matz; and seven great grandchildren.  Also survives four sisters, Rita Allen (Emil), Linda Arnold (Thomas), Ama Miller (John), Roxie Sharr (Steve); five brothers, Eddie Mosby (Sudie), Jerry Mosby (Virginia), Webb Mosby (Jeri), Clyde Mosby (Charlene), and Bill Mosby.  Many nieces and nephews.

Joe had a great love for horses.  He trained and worked with them throughout his life.  This same passion trickled down to his granddaughter, Kass, whom they shared many experiences together doing what they loved.  Joe will be remembered as a kind and loving man that loves his family.  He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

The family would like to especially thank Melissa Gauthier for the love and care given.

Memorial visitation for Joe will be on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 from 9:00-11:00 AM with a memorial service immediately following all at the Pisgah General Baptist Church, located on Rt. 1 near Leamington.  Rev. Steve Hunt will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pisgah General Baptist Church.

Cox & Son Funeral Homes is entrusted with the arrangements.  You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com

Ozie L. "Bobbie" Atkins

Ozie Lee “Bobbie” Atkins, age 81 died Saturday, April 28, 2012 in the Wabash Christian Center in Carmi.  Bobbie as most knew her was born in McLeansboro on July 14, 1930 to the late Lee and Ruth (Davis) Riley.  In 1948 she married the love of her life, Wallace Atkins, who preceded her in death in 1994.  She was very active her into life, raising her son Dennis and helping with the business of hers and Wallace, Omaha Lumber Co.  She was a faithful member of the Omaha General Baptist Church and the Ladies Aid there at the church.  She was well known over the years for her beautiful Oil Paintings, China Painting and Creations along with Knitting and Crochet as she made many items over the years to give to the needy.  People will always remember going by her house with the real Caboose sitting in the backyard that she loved dearly.  She loves the most her family, her husband, son and daughter in law and her grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed in the Omaha area.

Bobbie is survived by, Daughter in Law, Jeanne (Gary) Merkis of Omaha, Grandson, Corey (Winnie) Atkins of Oakland City, IN, Ashley (Corey) Douglass of Almo, KY.  A brother, Ralph Riley of Centralia, Great Grandchildren, Alexander and Isaac Atkins, Amelia Kate and Hadley Douglass.  2 Brother and Sister in laws, Charlie and Betty Cox and Ed and Judy Atkins all of Ridgway.  She was preceded in death by a loving Son, Dennis Atkins in 2000.

Visitation for Bobbie will be on Monday, April 30, 2012 at the Omaha General Baptist Church in Omaha from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, her funeral will be on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the church starting at 11:00 AM with Rev. Blaine Felty officiating.  Interment will follow in the Palestine #2 Cemetery in Omaha.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Palestine #2 Cemetery in Omaha in her memory.  Her arrangements are entrusted to the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway and you may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com.

Hattie Williams Russell

Hattie Williams Russell, age 87 lifelong resident of Ridgway died Friday, April 27, 2012 in the Ridgway Rehabilitation Center.   Hattie was born in Ridgway on April 6, 1925 to the late W. E. “Radio Bill” and Radie (Brown) Smith.  Hattie was married in 1946 to the late Adriel “Slick” Williams who preceded her in death in 1990.  She later married Roy Russell who also preceded in her death.  Hattie lived on the farm East of Ridgway most of her life where she helped Adriel farm and raised her two sons, who she was so fond of.  Hattie also loved to read, garden, cook and be with her family.  She was a member of the Ridgway First Baptist Church, the Ridgway and Carmi American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be missed.

Hattie is survived by 2 sons, Tommy Gene Williams of Desoto, IL, and Terry Wayne and Kathy Williams of Ridgway. 5 Grandchildren, Terra (Byron) Farthing, Jeff (Jan) Williams, Jill (Cody) Smith, Ryan (Carrie) Williams and Laura (Bret) Elwood. 9 Great Grandchildren and her caretaker, Katina Collins.  She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Clarence “Smitty” Smith and “Pete” Smith, along with a sister, Ruby Turner.

Visitation for Hattie will be on Monday, April 30, 2012 from 12 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway.  Funeral for Hattie will follow starting at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Allen officiating.  Interment will be in the Asbury Cemetery near North East of Ridgway near her home.  The family ask in lieu of flowers you may make a donation in her memory to the Asbury or Jackson Cemetery, envelopes will be available at the funeral home