Mary Kathryn King

Mary Kathryn King, age 82, of Mattoon, IL passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Odd-Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. A funeral service in her honor will be held at 6:00 PM, Monday, December 9, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Reverend Ron Dickinson will officiate. The visitation will be held the same day from 4:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. A committal service will be held at 11:00 AM EST, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Roselawn Memorial Park, 7500 N. Clinton Street, Terre Haute, IN 47805. Mary was born on September 26, 1942, in Terre Haute, IN to James P. and Esther N. (Grob) Anderson. She married Lawrence G. King on August 22,1964 in Terre Haute, IN. He passed away on June 17, 1989. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri L. Aldrich and significant other, Steven M. Koester, of Mattoon, IL; three grandchildren, Kassandre L. Haven and husband Johnny of Troy, MO, Cameron J. Aldrich of Seattle, WA, Conner R. Aldrich of St. Louis, MO; and two great-grandchildren, Declan J. and Noelle L. Haven of Troy, MO. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and stepfather, Richard J. Kearschner. In the late 1960’s, Mrs. King became a kindergarten teacher for Mattoon Community Unit School District #2 and retired after forty dedicated years. Her passion for children and education was unmistakable and she was admired by many who had the privilege of being her student in their early developmental years. She was a member of the Illinois Teachers Association. Mary was an extensive reader, reading more than three hundred novels and sports books a year. A passionate sports fan, she rooted for Boston Celtics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Indiana University sports. Some of her favorite iconic sports figures were Tiger Woods, Bobby Knight, but her all-time favorite was legendary Larry Bird. Mary was known around town for her memorable license plate homage to the great basketball player, IND BB 33. She was a doting mother and grandmother. Mary relished the time spent with her grandchildren and attended all sports, band, and dance events over the years. Her presence will be missed but her smile and kindness will be imprinted on the hearts and minds of those closest to her. Mary’s memory will always be eternal. Donations in Mary’s honor may be made to Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N. County Rd 1120 E, Charleston, IL 61920. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchell-jerdan.com to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

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Mary Kathryn King

September 26, 1942 - December 3, 2024