Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Catherine L. McCalla, 82, of New Douglas, Ill., died Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. She was born Nov. 26, 1939, in Brussels, the daughter of Leo and Leola (Mossman) Held. On Oct. 21, 1961, she married Leonard McCalla at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brussels, and he survives.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston. Catherine grew up in Brussels in Calhoun County and graduated from Brussels High School. After marriage she and Leonard moved to Hamel, later to Olive Township and lived in their home for over 43 years. She loved her family, cooking for them and spending time together. She enjoyed playing cards, sewing, crocheting, embroidering, quilting, puzzles, and Yahtzee.

Survivors include her husband, Leonard McCalla of New Douglas; children, Christopher "Chris" (Janice) McCalla of New Douglas, Suzanne Eilers of New Douglas, Kevin (Dianna) McCalla of New Douglas, Philip (Michele) McCalla of Staunton; grandchildren, Craig (Maggie) McCalla, Stacey (Geoffrey) Klieboeker, Carrie (Jon) Mansholt, Mark (Lauren) Eilers, Shari (Austin) Meyer, Ryan (Jessica) McCalla, Stephany (Andrew) Zamora, Marcella McCalla, Kyle McCalla; sister, Vera (Fred) Richardson of Protem, Mo.; brothers-in-law, Alan (Brenda) McCalla of Hot Springs, Ark., Mike (Karen) McCalla of Edwardsville; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Roger Eilers; brother, Glenn Held; brother-in-law, Carl McCalla; and sister-in-law, Judy McCalla.

Funeral Mass was held Monday, May 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston with Fr. Thomas Hagstrom, pastor, officiating. Interment was at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Livingston.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra was in charge of arrangements.