Mary Katherine “Katsy” Rhoads Christen, 86, passed away at 1:49 pm Monday, January 13, 2020 at Alton Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Alton, Illinois on September 21, 1933 to the late Roy W. Rhoads Sr. and Frances H (Sondles) Rhoads.
Mary married Neil M. Christen on May 11, 1957 in Alton and he preceded her in death on February 1, 2007.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. Mary owned Happy Beginnings bridal shop in Jerseyville. Mary was an expert baker and excellent wedding cake decorator; she could do anything.
Mary and Neil were the parents of eight children; one son, Dr. Neil L. (Tracy) Christen of Anniston, Alabama; seven daughters, Debbie (Denny) Ward of Jerseyville Mary F. Christen, Gwendolyn “Gigi” (Rod) Lucas, Darla (Tim) Dooley, and Stacy (Ricky) Cox, all of Alton, Dawn (Deron) Thomas and Cindy Christen of Florida; nineteen grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Lemeul Rhoads, Roy William Rhoads Jr., David F. Rhoads, Doris (Rhoads) Micciche, Edith (Rhoads) Lovato and a son-in-law, Nicola Ionne.
A prayer service will be held at 3:30 pm Friday January 17, 2020 followed by a visitation from 4 to 7 pm at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Saturday January 18, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton.
Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to American Lung Association.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey are in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com