It was 10 degrees below zero in Kirksville, Missouri on December 13, 1932.
John Karaff and Mabel Irene Morehead (Me) planned to be married on that day. The minister that we intended to have perform the ceremony, came down with the flu, so when a Baptist Missionary at the License Bureau offered his services, we accepted, and were married on the spot. My new dress and shoes were hanging in the closet at my apartment, and John's new white shirt and tie were in a package under his arm. So what! We were married -- after a courtship of nearly five years.
John Karaff was born in Hamilton, Iowa, and came with his parents, Michael and Mary Sisak Karaff, to Adair County, Missouri when he was ten years old. They lived on a farm about a mile from the farm where I grew up. We both attended Rural Dell School, where we met as children. Of course, we couldn't stand each other for several years. Eventually, things changed -- not things, but us. However, it took several years of growing up for us to find that we were in love.
After eighth grade graduation, I went to Kirksville to school, and John went to work for Pittsburg-DesMoines Steel Co. building bridges. Those were the "Great Depression" years. Jobs were not plentiful, so he was out of work a lot of the time. Between jobs, he helped out on the farm, ran a hoist at a coal mine, worked on cars, sawed wood, and all sorts of odd jobs.
On January 10, 1931, his father died. John and his father were very close and this loss grieved him deeply. I don't think he ever stopped missing his father.
John had a unique talent for mechanics, almost to the point of genius. Any kind of motor that would not run held a challenge for him. After completing a course in Arc Welding, he became a Master of the art. He set up a shop in Marceline, Missouri, which he owned and operated for several years. That is where our troubles began, and I might add, also ended. We were divorced in October 1950.
During our marriage we had four children -- three boys and a girl. We lost our second son, Ronald Lee, in 1942 when he was fifteen months old. The other three are all married with families of their own. Our children have been my greatest joy and blessing.
MABEL IRENE MOREHEAD KARAFF
“And her children arise and call her blessed….” Proverbs 31:28
Mabel Irene Morehead Karaff, devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother went to be with her Lord and Savior February 14, 2005.
Mabel was born to James Oliver and Mae Lillian Ford Morehead, December 30, 1909 in Kirksville, Missouri. A son, Ronald Lee, her parents; brothers, Dr. Robert L. Morehead, and Dr. William D. Morehead; and sisters, Irma Lee Morehead and Bessie G. Cleveland, precede her in death.
Celebrating her life with cherished memories are sons, Dale E. Karaff and wife Betty Jo of Vidor, Texas; Lloyd E. Karaff and wife Marian of Donnellson, Iowa; daughter, Joyce Elaine and husband Glen Terry, of Town Creek, Alabama; grandchildren, Keith D. Karaff, Houston, Texas, Kevin D. Karaff and wife Lynn, of Richmond, Texas, Christopher D. Karaff, of Mauriceville, Texas, Bronson M. Karaff and James M. Karaff of Iowa City, Iowa, Douglas W. Terry of Atlanta, Georgia, Gregory A. Terry of Orlando, Florida, Lisa E. Terry Bazler and husband Donnie of Apopka, Florida; great grandchildren, Karson P. and Kolby D. Karaff, Richmond, Texas, Kacey E. and Kyle J. Bazler of Apopka, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
Mabel graduated from Kirksville High School in 1927 and attended KSTC and Kirksville Business College. Worked at the Great Republic Life Insurance Company for 6 years as a bookkeeper. Then was employed at Citizens National Bank, which became Commerce Bank, Bank of Kirksville, and now Midwest Bank. It was Commerce Bank in 1976 when she retired as a faithful employee for 23 years.
Mabel was a shy, kind woman with great strengths. She was the backbone of the family and lovingly raised her children to become responsible adults. In her later years, she cared for her parents, her older sister, Irma Morehead and sister, Bessie Cleveland during their illnesses.
In 1980 she began researching the Karaff-Sisak, Morehead- and Ford families. The result was extensive books of each family, which served as a wonderful resource and treasure for her children and family. She was noted for her beautiful quilts and each of her children and grandchildren received a quilt with all the love she put into each stitch. She was an expert at every kind of crossword puzzle and able to pursue this hobby along with her love of reading. An avid reader of the Bible, she loved her Lord and lived her life following these beliefs.
She enjoyed attending the family reunions and shared many vacations with her children. Her son Lloyd and his wife Marian were very watchful and cared for her many needs before and after her retirement.
In 1995 she moved from her Kirksville home to live with her daughter in Alabama where life was enjoyed to the fullest before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2004. She fought bravely until her peaceful death at the home of her son, Dale in Vidor, Texas.
A family visitation was held at the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral home in Beaumont, Texas Tuesday, February 15, 2005.
Visitation for family and friends in Kirksville, Missouri will be at the Davis-Playle Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home Friday, February 18, 2005, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be beside her son Ronald, in the Highland Park Cemetery, Kirksville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice or charity organization of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the Beaumont Home Health Care and Hospice Southern Care staff for their loving care during these last days.
John Karaff and Mabel Irene Morehead (Me) planned to be married on that day. The minister that we intended to have perform the ceremony, came down with the flu, so when a Baptist Missionary at the License Bureau offered his services, we accepted, and were married on the spot. My new dress and shoes were hanging in the closet at my apartment, and John's new white shirt and tie were in a package under his arm. So what! We were married -- after a courtship of nearly five years.
John Karaff was born in Hamilton, Iowa, and came with his parents, Michael and Mary Sisak Karaff, to Adair County, Missouri when he was ten years old. They lived on a farm about a mile from the farm where I grew up. We both attended Rural Dell School, where we met as children. Of course, we couldn't stand each other for several years. Eventually, things changed -- not things, but us. However, it took several years of growing up for us to find that we were in love.
After eighth grade graduation, I went to Kirksville to school, and John went to work for Pittsburg-DesMoines Steel Co. building bridges. Those were the "Great Depression" years. Jobs were not plentiful, so he was out of work a lot of the time. Between jobs, he helped out on the farm, ran a hoist at a coal mine, worked on cars, sawed wood, and all sorts of odd jobs.
On January 10, 1931, his father died. John and his father were very close and this loss grieved him deeply. I don't think he ever stopped missing his father.
John had a unique talent for mechanics, almost to the point of genius. Any kind of motor that would not run held a challenge for him. After completing a course in Arc Welding, he became a Master of the art. He set up a shop in Marceline, Missouri, which he owned and operated for several years. That is where our troubles began, and I might add, also ended. We were divorced in October 1950.
During our marriage we had four children -- three boys and a girl. We lost our second son, Ronald Lee, in 1942 when he was fifteen months old. The other three are all married with families of their own. Our children have been my greatest joy and blessing.
MABEL IRENE MOREHEAD KARAFF
“And her children arise and call her blessed….” Proverbs 31:28
Mabel Irene Morehead Karaff, devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother went to be with her Lord and Savior February 14, 2005.
Mabel was born to James Oliver and Mae Lillian Ford Morehead, December 30, 1909 in Kirksville, Missouri. A son, Ronald Lee, her parents; brothers, Dr. Robert L. Morehead, and Dr. William D. Morehead; and sisters, Irma Lee Morehead and Bessie G. Cleveland, precede her in death.
Celebrating her life with cherished memories are sons, Dale E. Karaff and wife Betty Jo of Vidor, Texas; Lloyd E. Karaff and wife Marian of Donnellson, Iowa; daughter, Joyce Elaine and husband Glen Terry, of Town Creek, Alabama; grandchildren, Keith D. Karaff, Houston, Texas, Kevin D. Karaff and wife Lynn, of Richmond, Texas, Christopher D. Karaff, of Mauriceville, Texas, Bronson M. Karaff and James M. Karaff of Iowa City, Iowa, Douglas W. Terry of Atlanta, Georgia, Gregory A. Terry of Orlando, Florida, Lisa E. Terry Bazler and husband Donnie of Apopka, Florida; great grandchildren, Karson P. and Kolby D. Karaff, Richmond, Texas, Kacey E. and Kyle J. Bazler of Apopka, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
Mabel graduated from Kirksville High School in 1927 and attended KSTC and Kirksville Business College. Worked at the Great Republic Life Insurance Company for 6 years as a bookkeeper. Then was employed at Citizens National Bank, which became Commerce Bank, Bank of Kirksville, and now Midwest Bank. It was Commerce Bank in 1976 when she retired as a faithful employee for 23 years.
Mabel was a shy, kind woman with great strengths. She was the backbone of the family and lovingly raised her children to become responsible adults. In her later years, she cared for her parents, her older sister, Irma Morehead and sister, Bessie Cleveland during their illnesses.
In 1980 she began researching the Karaff-Sisak, Morehead- and Ford families. The result was extensive books of each family, which served as a wonderful resource and treasure for her children and family. She was noted for her beautiful quilts and each of her children and grandchildren received a quilt with all the love she put into each stitch. She was an expert at every kind of crossword puzzle and able to pursue this hobby along with her love of reading. An avid reader of the Bible, she loved her Lord and lived her life following these beliefs.
She enjoyed attending the family reunions and shared many vacations with her children. Her son Lloyd and his wife Marian were very watchful and cared for her many needs before and after her retirement.
In 1995 she moved from her Kirksville home to live with her daughter in Alabama where life was enjoyed to the fullest before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2004. She fought bravely until her peaceful death at the home of her son, Dale in Vidor, Texas.
A family visitation was held at the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral home in Beaumont, Texas Tuesday, February 15, 2005.
Visitation for family and friends in Kirksville, Missouri will be at the Davis-Playle Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home Friday, February 18, 2005, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be beside her son Ronald, in the Highland Park Cemetery, Kirksville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice or charity organization of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the Beaumont Home Health Care and Hospice Southern Care staff for their loving care during these last days.
It was 10 degrees below zero in Kirksville, Missouri on December 13, 1932.
John Karaff and Mabel Irene Morehead (Me) planned to be married on that day. The minister that we intended to have perform the ceremony, came down with the flu, so when a Baptist Missionary at the License Bureau offered his services, we accepted, and were married on the spot. My new dress and shoes were hanging in the closet at my apartment, and John's new white shirt and tie were in a package under his arm. So what! We were married -- after a courtship of nearly five years.
John Karaff was born in Hamilton, Iowa, and came with his parents, Michael and Mary Sisak Karaff, to Adair County, Missouri when he was ten years old. They lived on a farm about a mile from the farm where I grew up. We both attended Rural Dell School, where we met as children. Of course, we couldn't stand each other for several years. Eventually, things changed -- not things, but us. However, it took several years of growing up for us to find that we were in love.
After eighth grade graduation, I went to Kirksville to school, and John went to work for Pittsburg-DesMoines Steel Co. building bridges. Those were the "Great Depression" years. Jobs were not plentiful, so he was out of work a lot of the time. Between jobs, he helped out on the farm, ran a hoist at a coal mine, worked on cars, sawed wood, and all sorts of odd jobs.
On January 10, 1931, his father died. John and his father were very close and this loss grieved him deeply. I don't think he ever stopped missing his father.
John had a unique talent for mechanics, almost to the point of genius. Any kind of motor that would not run held a challenge for him. After completing a course in Arc Welding, he became a Master of the art. He set up a shop in Marceline, Missouri, which he owned and operated for several years. That is where our troubles began, and I might add, also ended. We were divorced in October 1950.
During our marriage we had four children -- three boys and a girl. We lost our second son, Ronald Lee, in 1942 when he was fifteen months old. The other three are all married with families of their own. Our children have been my greatest joy and blessing.
MABEL IRENE MOREHEAD KARAFF
“And her children arise and call her blessed….” Proverbs 31:28
Mabel Irene Morehead Karaff, devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother went to be with her Lord and Savior February 14, 2005.
Mabel was born to James Oliver and Mae Lillian Ford Morehead, December 30, 1909 in Kirksville, Missouri. A son, Ronald Lee, her parents; brothers, Dr. Robert L. Morehead, and Dr. William D. Morehead; and sisters, Irma Lee Morehead and Bessie G. Cleveland, precede her in death.
Celebrating her life with cherished memories are sons, Dale E. Karaff and wife Betty Jo of Vidor, Texas; Lloyd E. Karaff and wife Marian of Donnellson, Iowa; daughter, Joyce Elaine and husband Glen Terry, of Town Creek, Alabama; grandchildren, Keith D. Karaff, Houston, Texas, Kevin D. Karaff and wife Lynn, of Richmond, Texas, Christopher D. Karaff, of Mauriceville, Texas, Bronson M. Karaff and James M. Karaff of Iowa City, Iowa, Douglas W. Terry of Atlanta, Georgia, Gregory A. Terry of Orlando, Florida, Lisa E. Terry Bazler and husband Donnie of Apopka, Florida; great grandchildren, Karson P. and Kolby D. Karaff, Richmond, Texas, Kacey E. and Kyle J. Bazler of Apopka, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
Mabel graduated from Kirksville High School in 1927 and attended KSTC and Kirksville Business College. Worked at the Great Republic Life Insurance Company for 6 years as a bookkeeper. Then was employed at Citizens National Bank, which became Commerce Bank, Bank of Kirksville, and now Midwest Bank. It was Commerce Bank in 1976 when she retired as a faithful employee for 23 years.
Mabel was a shy, kind woman with great strengths. She was the backbone of the family and lovingly raised her children to become responsible adults. In her later years, she cared for her parents, her older sister, Irma Morehead and sister, Bessie Cleveland during their illnesses.
In 1980 she began researching the Karaff-Sisak, Morehead- and Ford families. The result was extensive books of each family, which served as a wonderful resource and treasure for her children and family. She was noted for her beautiful quilts and each of her children and grandchildren received a quilt with all the love she put into each stitch. She was an expert at every kind of crossword puzzle and able to pursue this hobby along with her love of reading. An avid reader of the Bible, she loved her Lord and lived her life following these beliefs.
She enjoyed attending the family reunions and shared many vacations with her children. Her son Lloyd and his wife Marian were very watchful and cared for her many needs before and after her retirement.
In 1995 she moved from her Kirksville home to live with her daughter in Alabama where life was enjoyed to the fullest before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2004. She fought bravely until her peaceful death at the home of her son, Dale in Vidor, Texas.
A family visitation was held at the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral home in Beaumont, Texas Tuesday, February 15, 2005.
Visitation for family and friends in Kirksville, Missouri will be at the Davis-Playle Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home Friday, February 18, 2005, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be beside her son Ronald, in the Highland Park Cemetery, Kirksville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice or charity organization of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the Beaumont Home Health Care and Hospice Southern Care staff for their loving care during these last days.
John Karaff and Mabel Irene Morehead (Me) planned to be married on that day. The minister that we intended to have perform the ceremony, came down with the flu, so when a Baptist Missionary at the License Bureau offered his services, we accepted, and were married on the spot. My new dress and shoes were hanging in the closet at my apartment, and John's new white shirt and tie were in a package under his arm. So what! We were married -- after a courtship of nearly five years.
John Karaff was born in Hamilton, Iowa, and came with his parents, Michael and Mary Sisak Karaff, to Adair County, Missouri when he was ten years old. They lived on a farm about a mile from the farm where I grew up. We both attended Rural Dell School, where we met as children. Of course, we couldn't stand each other for several years. Eventually, things changed -- not things, but us. However, it took several years of growing up for us to find that we were in love.
After eighth grade graduation, I went to Kirksville to school, and John went to work for Pittsburg-DesMoines Steel Co. building bridges. Those were the "Great Depression" years. Jobs were not plentiful, so he was out of work a lot of the time. Between jobs, he helped out on the farm, ran a hoist at a coal mine, worked on cars, sawed wood, and all sorts of odd jobs.
On January 10, 1931, his father died. John and his father were very close and this loss grieved him deeply. I don't think he ever stopped missing his father.
John had a unique talent for mechanics, almost to the point of genius. Any kind of motor that would not run held a challenge for him. After completing a course in Arc Welding, he became a Master of the art. He set up a shop in Marceline, Missouri, which he owned and operated for several years. That is where our troubles began, and I might add, also ended. We were divorced in October 1950.
During our marriage we had four children -- three boys and a girl. We lost our second son, Ronald Lee, in 1942 when he was fifteen months old. The other three are all married with families of their own. Our children have been my greatest joy and blessing.
MABEL IRENE MOREHEAD KARAFF
“And her children arise and call her blessed….” Proverbs 31:28
Mabel Irene Morehead Karaff, devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother went to be with her Lord and Savior February 14, 2005.
Mabel was born to James Oliver and Mae Lillian Ford Morehead, December 30, 1909 in Kirksville, Missouri. A son, Ronald Lee, her parents; brothers, Dr. Robert L. Morehead, and Dr. William D. Morehead; and sisters, Irma Lee Morehead and Bessie G. Cleveland, precede her in death.
Celebrating her life with cherished memories are sons, Dale E. Karaff and wife Betty Jo of Vidor, Texas; Lloyd E. Karaff and wife Marian of Donnellson, Iowa; daughter, Joyce Elaine and husband Glen Terry, of Town Creek, Alabama; grandchildren, Keith D. Karaff, Houston, Texas, Kevin D. Karaff and wife Lynn, of Richmond, Texas, Christopher D. Karaff, of Mauriceville, Texas, Bronson M. Karaff and James M. Karaff of Iowa City, Iowa, Douglas W. Terry of Atlanta, Georgia, Gregory A. Terry of Orlando, Florida, Lisa E. Terry Bazler and husband Donnie of Apopka, Florida; great grandchildren, Karson P. and Kolby D. Karaff, Richmond, Texas, Kacey E. and Kyle J. Bazler of Apopka, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
Mabel graduated from Kirksville High School in 1927 and attended KSTC and Kirksville Business College. Worked at the Great Republic Life Insurance Company for 6 years as a bookkeeper. Then was employed at Citizens National Bank, which became Commerce Bank, Bank of Kirksville, and now Midwest Bank. It was Commerce Bank in 1976 when she retired as a faithful employee for 23 years.
Mabel was a shy, kind woman with great strengths. She was the backbone of the family and lovingly raised her children to become responsible adults. In her later years, she cared for her parents, her older sister, Irma Morehead and sister, Bessie Cleveland during their illnesses.
In 1980 she began researching the Karaff-Sisak, Morehead- and Ford families. The result was extensive books of each family, which served as a wonderful resource and treasure for her children and family. She was noted for her beautiful quilts and each of her children and grandchildren received a quilt with all the love she put into each stitch. She was an expert at every kind of crossword puzzle and able to pursue this hobby along with her love of reading. An avid reader of the Bible, she loved her Lord and lived her life following these beliefs.
She enjoyed attending the family reunions and shared many vacations with her children. Her son Lloyd and his wife Marian were very watchful and cared for her many needs before and after her retirement.
In 1995 she moved from her Kirksville home to live with her daughter in Alabama where life was enjoyed to the fullest before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2004. She fought bravely until her peaceful death at the home of her son, Dale in Vidor, Texas.
A family visitation was held at the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral home in Beaumont, Texas Tuesday, February 15, 2005.
Visitation for family and friends in Kirksville, Missouri will be at the Davis-Playle Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home Friday, February 18, 2005, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be beside her son Ronald, in the Highland Park Cemetery, Kirksville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice or charity organization of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the Beaumont Home Health Care and Hospice Southern Care staff for their loving care during these last days.
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