Carolyn “Cari” Koke
d. January 24, 2024
Carolyn “Cari” S. Koke, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at home near Springfield.
She was born June 3, 1946 in Jacksonville, Illinois, the daughter of Ray and Geneva (Raleigh) Farmer.
Cari married Michael Koke on February 1, 1969 at the Petersburg Christian Church. Their devotion and love for almost 55 years is an example for all to follow.
Mourning her passing are her husband, Mike; children, Amy Koke, Andrew (wife Catherine Overbey) Koke, Amanda (husband Jeff) Helmkamp, Ashley (husband Andrew) Basso, Alexander Koke; one grandchild, Zildjian Helmkamp; siblings, Bob (wife Judy) Farmer, Mary (husband Rick) English, Ginnie (husband Mark) Yording, Dale (wife Robin) Farmer, Marty (wife Pam) Farmer, Jackie (husband Dan) Manker, and Vickie (husband Paul) Brown; sister-in-law, Jane Farmer; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, William Farmer; and her brother, Boyd Farmer.
Through her long career in nursing, Cari was proud of the compassion she showed to her patients.
She was a member of the Athens Christian Church for over 40 years, where she volunteered for numerous committees, sang in the choir, and organized food ministries. She was a strong Christian woman, where her faith was of upmost importance to her.
Cari was a social butterfly and loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Visitation for Cari will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Athens Christian Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 10:30 AM. There will not be a graveside service held.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ashley Basso to be applied towards the education fund for Cari’s grandson.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted January 25th, 2024 at 12:15 pm
So sorry for your loss! She was a very kind, and faithful person!
Posted January 25th, 2024 at 6:16 pm
I knew Cari from Bible Study Fellowship. She was a sweetheart. Please accept my condolences.
Posted January 25th, 2024 at 10:25 pm
What a sweet biography. Hugs to the Farmer/Koke family from California
Posted January 26th, 2024 at 12:51 am
A wonderful onry sweet fun lady, so full of life!! I think of her every time I hear “Grandma Got Over By a Reindeer” 😂 – those fun Christmas parties at the Koke home. My prayers are with you all.
Posted January 26th, 2024 at 7:07 am
My sincere sympathy to all of you. Cari was warm, welcoming, and an inspiration to all. Prayers and hugs.
Debbie Krick
Posted January 26th, 2024 at 9:31 am
I will miss her loving smile!! She seemed bo be born with a smile on her face. Truly a caring and lovign Christian lady.
Terry Henrikson
Posted January 26th, 2024 at 2:33 pm
Sending our deepest condolences to the whole Koke family. Cari was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. May God give you love and comfort.
Posted January 26th, 2024 at 9:21 pm
Mike, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have fond memories of time with her when I was with Ginnie.
Posted January 27th, 2024 at 4:55 pm
The Koke Family – We were so sorry to hear of Cari’s passing. She was a wonderful Christian lady. We have many memories of her at church. She would tell the little ones, “we are going to do the Hokey Pokey with Cari Koke.” Always so much fun. Deepest sympathies to all of you. Prayers for you during this difficult time.
Therese & Doug Schmidgall
Posted January 27th, 2024 at 8:41 pm
I was sad to hear that Carolyn left us. I was telling Melissa that you two were there at the hospital when she was born. My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted January 28th, 2024 at 9:20 am
Sending our condolences to the Koke family. So sorry to hear of Cari’s passing. I didn’t know Cari well but the times that we talked it was like I knew her a long time. She was easy to talk to and had a very good sense of humor. Rest in peace Cari.
Posted January 28th, 2024 at 2:52 pm
Mike, so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Posted January 28th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
I am sorry for your loss, even though temporary. Cari helped me a lot when I started attending ACC back in the early 90’s. She was a great mentor and friend for that time in my life. “Well done, good & faithful servant”…
Pat Thompson, formerly from Williamsville
Now residing in Arkansas