Emogene L. Mefford

Emogene L. Mefford, 100, of Palestine, IL, died at 9:18 a.m. Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Cotillion Ridge Nursing Center, Robinson. She was born August 16, 1909 in Palestine, IL, the daughter of William Tilden Rousch and Selena Newlin Rousch. She was a homemaker and a piano teacher for many years. Emogene was a member of the Palestine First Christian Church where she played the piano and organ for 68 years and attended the Palestine First Presbyterian Church. She was a member and board member of the Crawford County Historical Society. She was a charter member of the Crawford County Home Extension which she joined in 1948 and she hosted the Deborah Guild Christmas meeting for 50 consecutive years at her hom. She was a founding member of the Laura G. Newlin China/Art Guild serving as the treasurer for many years. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors, Crawford County Arts, Palestine Preservation Projects Society, Crawford County Humane Society, an official counter for the Palestine Pancake and Sausage Breakfast for 28 years; and grand marshal of the 2009 Palestine Labor Day Parade.Emogene married Frank G. Mefford on March 16, 1930 and he preceded her in death on December 12, 1993. She was also preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Usher Rousch, Charles Rousch, and Berl Rousch; 3 sisters, Elsie Phipps, Minnie Gillespie, and Frances Guy.Emogene is survived by her daughter, Cheryl A. Mefford, Palestine; 4 nieces, Deette Domes, Seattle, WA, Dorothea Kermicle, Cross Plains, WI, Kathy Anglemyer, Gilman, WI, and Rosalie Clark, Rocky Mount, NC; 1 nephew, Darrell Mefford, Frisco, TX; 25 great nieces and nephews; and several great-great nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Palestine with Revs. Paul K. Phillips and Morgan Wickizer officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20th at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Crawford County Historical Society, PO Box 554, Robinson, IL 62454 or to the Crawford County Humane Society, 911 E. Wilkin, Robinson, IL 62454 or delivered to the funeral home.