Mary Christine (Legg) Catt

Mary Christine (Legg) Catt, 98, of Flat Rock, IL, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 23, 2024, at her home. She was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1925, at her grandfather's home west of Oak Ridge Church near Port Jackson, IL. Named Mary Christine because it was the closest her parents could come to "Merry Christmas," she was a true Christmas gift to her parents, Pearl (Enola) Rich & Everett "Ab" Legg. Christine lost her mother at the tender age of five during childbirth. Her mother's final wish was for Ab to keep the children together, and that he did. Growing up as a farm girl, Christine helped with the wood cutting, crops, and even the detested task of raising tobacco. The values of family, hard work, and responsibility would be mainstays throughout Christine's life.

On June 1, 1946, she married the love of her life, Donald Catt, and together they recently celebrated 78 years of marriage. Chris and Don built the house that they would make a home for the rest of her life - a warm, welcoming place where kids, grandkids, friends, and strangers would be invited in and made to feel loved. Family dinners would find so many people at their table that there was barely room to sit everyone, but there was always plenty of delicious food for all. Her mashed potatoes and noodles, sweet corn, and tea were unmatched, and although she tried to teach us how to make them ("just a pinch" of this or that), we know that ours just won't taste quite as good.

Her life was one of simple abundance, filled with joy right up until her last breath. One of her greatest joys was watching her grandkids and great-grandkids participate in one of their many activities. She was one of their biggest fans, and hearing her voice cheering them on from the stands will be missed. In her later years, she joined the Singing Seniors at Lincoln Trail College and entertained folks around the county. A talented quilter, she left her family numerous beautiful quilts to cherish as a memory of her love. Chris utilized her crafting skills to create Pound Puppies, Cabbage Patch dolls, and more throws and quilts than you could fit in your house. All her children and grandchildren have quilts that she cut out and pieced together, sometimes with help from Don.

To say that she was the backbone of the family would be an understatement. She taught us the true meaning of love, loyalty, dependability, perseverance, and hard work. A lifelong member of Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, Christine's life was a testament to her faith. The church was her second home, where she served in many capacities: Sunday School teacher, secretary, song leader, custodian, and more. She made sure that her children were raised in the church and was there whenever the doors were open. Christine organized and hosted countless celebrations, quilting clubs, holidays, and activities at the church, making a lifetime of memories for her family and community.

Her passing leaves a huge void in our lives, but we know that on Friday, she was greeted with the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Although the hole left in our hearts is immense, we rejoice in knowing that Christine was welcomed with open arms by her Savior, Jesus Christ, flanked by family and friends who have gone before her. Heaven likely just got a little louder, with Chris and Lizzie raising their voices, either in laughter or fussing at each other. Words like "spark plug," "force of nature," and "one in a million" best describe our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She truly lived a good life and was loved by all who knew her.

Left behind to continue her legacy is her devoted husband of 78 years, Donald Catt; her children & their spouses, Michael & Anita Catt (Robinson, IL), Kay & Raymond Sanders (Flat Rock, IL), and Mark Catt & Linda Ryan-Catt (Palestine, IL); her grandchildren & spouses, Angela Catt, Patrick & Melissa Sanders, Jeremy & Lisa Sanders, Valerie & Brian Weck, Mary Ann & Dallas Kidwell, Charles Catt; her great-grandchildren & spouses, Caleb Buettemeyer, Ethan Buettemeyer, Alison & AJ Wright, Drevin Sanders, Paige Sanders, Landon Sanders, Addeline Sanders, Harper Weck, Cameron Sanders, Landry Weck, Mason Weck, and Eleanor Kidwell; her nieces & nephews, Ron Legg & Sandy Dilger, Janet Legg, Charlene & Randy Bachelor, Glynn Legg, Duane & Norvita Legg, and her special niece and neighbor, Gaythel Wesley; along with several great-nieces & nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ab & Pearl Legg; her sister, Elizabeth; her brothers, Otis, Ray "Chubb," and Charles and their spouses; her granddaughter, Gina Catt; her nephew, Terry Legg; her niece, Connie Legg; her great-nephew, Bradley Legg, and several other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30th, at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, with Rev. Nathan Jeffries officiating. For those unable to attend, a recording of the funeral will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to "Oak Ridge United Methodist Church", with envelopes available at both the funeral home and church.

Burial will be in the Port Jackson Cemetery.