The
Women's
Club
of
Newburgh
Established 1963
In Memory
Emmy Lou Dennis
Emmy Lou Dennis, 82, of Newburgh, Indiana passed on July 25, 2015 at the Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville. Emmy Lou was born October 23, 1932 in Davenport, Iowa to Harry Thompson Shunk and Golda May (Banes) Shunk. She Graduated from Davenport High in 1950 and went on to receive her Teachers Degree from Iowa State Teachers College. She married Richard Dennis in 1953 and had five children. Transfers with Alcoa ultimately brought the family to the Warrick operation in 1970. Emmy Lou hit the ground running and joined the newly organized Welcome Wagon. She continued her love of community selflessly donating her time over the next 40 years. Emmy Lou was an honorary member of Newburgh Women’s club where she held the position of President twice and sharpened her Parliamentarian skills for 30 years. She was presented the key to the town in 1990 and “Emmy Lou Dennis Day” was proclaimed on Nov 9, 2013. Her greatest surprise and honor at her 80th birthday party was the renaming of the park to the “Lou Dennis Community Park” celebrating her unwavering commitment to the construction of the Fortress of Fun and her dedicated 30 years serving on the Park Board. Her passion and commitment will be truly missed by her family and many friends and a community that she loved with all of her heart.
Carol Ann (Karr) King
Carol was a valued member of the Women’s Club of Newburgh from 1963 – 2013.
Carol Ann (Karr) King, 84, of Newburgh, Indiana died on Dec. 17, 2013 at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin H. and her beloved brother, Dr. J.P. Karr of Jackson, Michigan.
She was born in Normal, Illinois to Lee J. and Rae G. Karr and grew up on a Centennial Farm in McLean County, Illinois where she attended a two-room school. Having descended from a pioneer family and being a product of the Great Depression and World War II, her strongest values were of gratitude for what life handed her and of giving of herself to others. Her Mother’s wise saying, “To thine own self be true,” established Carol’s attitude toward life in her early childhood.
Carol graduated from University High School in Normal and attended Illinois State Normal University. After transferring to the University of Illinois, she met her future husband, Edwin H. King. Carol and Ed were married on June 11, 1949. The King family moved to Newburgh in 1960 and raised their children and grandchildren. They established two businesses in Newburgh—King Mechanical Specialty, Inc. and KM Specialty.
She was the first woman member of the Kiwanis Club of Newburgh and became its first woman president. She was a charter member of the Women’s Club of Newburgh; a charter member and Director Emeritus of Historic Newburgh Inc. (HNI); and a member of the Warrick County Community Foundation. She served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 44 and was a member of the World War II 50th Anniversary committee. Other community projects included the Living Treasures, the Newburgh Walkway Garden and the Veterans’ Monument flag.
Carol became a Newburgh Players actress in the 1960s and held roles in several productions. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary (Now renamed St. Vincents) and served as a volunteer at the former Regina Pacis Nursing Home and enjoyed working with the elderly.
Published in Courier Press on Dec. 26, 2013
Vicki Jo Gess
Vicki Jo Gess, 65, of Newburgh, IN, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017. She was born September 19, 1951, in Lexington, KY.
She graduated from Castle High School in 1969 and attended Purdue University. Vicki was a charter member of Historic Newburgh, Inc. and a member of the Newburgh Women’s Club for 44 years. She was also a member of the Bridge Club, History Club, and was awarded Miss Newburgh. She enjoyed riding horses and competing in the American Endurance Ride Conference where she placed 32nd in 50 miles on RH Gold Strike. She loved her chocolate. Vicki was an avid reader. She and her mother created Red Rooster Stitchery in Newburgh. She was an amazing mom and friend and established wonderful friendships over the years.
Vicki was preceded in death by grandparents, Albert W. and Clyda Blanton, and William G. and Viola Gess.
She is survived by son, JB Perry (Rachel) of Newburgh, IN; daughter, Anne Couts (Adam) of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Will, Molly, and Kylie Perry, and Lilyana, Ashton, and Camellia Couts; ex-husband, Bill Perry of Newburgh, IN; parents, William Gordon Gess, Jr. and Mary Joyce (Blanton) Gess of Evansville, IN; sister, Susan Gess Sublett of Boonville, IN; nephew, Weston Sublett (Cara) of Newburgh, IN; niece, Lindsey Sublett of Nashville, TN.
Published in Courier & Press July 2017
Mary “Jo” (Blanton) Gess
Mary “Jo” (Blanton) Gess, age 92, of Evansville, IN, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Woodmont Health Campus in Boonville.
Jo was born May 31, 1928, in Jackson, KY, to Albert Blanton and Clyda (Brewer) Blanton. She graduated from Henry Clay High School in 1946 and then attended the University of Kentucky. Jo enjoyed being a mother and a Homemaker. She was a founding member of the Women’s Club of Newburgh, and held leadership positions within the club. Jo was a member of the Newburgh History Club and an avid Bridge player. Jo and her daughter Vicki created the Red Rooster Stitchery in Newburgh.
Jo is survived by her daughter, Susan Sublett; grandchildren, John Blanton “JB” Perry, Weston Sublett, Anne Elisabeth Couts, and Lindsey Basler; great-grandchildren, Olivia Grace Sublett, William Stanley Sublett, Benton Thomas Basler, John William Perry, Molly Rae Perry, Kylie Jean Perry, Lilyana Victoria Couts, Ashton Joseph Couts and Camellia Elisabeth Couts.
Jo is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 70 years, William G. “Bill” Gess; and daughter, Vicki Gess.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue. A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit Boone Funeral Home’s Facebook page and click on the link provided. Private Entombment will be in Park Lawn Cemetery.
Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020, at BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: the Friendship Forever Fund at the Warrick County Community Foundation at PO Box 876, Newburgh, IN 47629-0876.
Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net
Christina Van Dijk Davoust
Christina Van Dijk Davoust, beloved grandmother and active community member, peacefully passed away on July 1st, 2024, at the age of 86. She was born in Groningen, The Netherlands, on February 11th, 1938.
She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Cynthia; husband, Richard Davoust; her parents, Lucie and Guitje; stepfather, Dolf. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Cricket (Mark); grandchildren, Christina (Spencer), Tyler, Cole, Catherine, Justin (Erin), and Taylor (Megan); great grandchildren, Clara, Hattie, and Lucie; brother Marnix (Irma), and sister, Aafke (Klaas); along with many step children, nieces, and nephews.
Christina had a deep passion for travel and was actively involved in the Evansville International club, where she hosted numerous gatherings each year. Christina was also involved in the Newburgh Women’s Club and dining club. Her love for music was evident through her membership in the Philharmonic Guild, where she often hosted opera singers in her home. One of her greatest joys was sharing her love of music with young children through the Lollipops program, where she dedicated her time to educating and inspiring for 30 years.
Her lakeside home was a cherished gathering place for family, especially her grandchildren, who fondly remember spending countless hours swimming and making memories together.
Above all, Christina will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the love she shared with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 11th, at 2 p.m. at Hills Church in Evansville. Family and friends are invited to join for a dinner at Golden Buddha in Newburgh, afterward.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Evansville Philharmonic Guild, Robyn Musgrave, 1701 Summit Dr., Evansville, IN 47712.
Shirley White
Shirley Ann (Barnhart) White, age 85, of Newburgh, IN, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at Heart to Heart Hospice Inpatient Center.
Shirley was born December 14, 1938, in Evansville, IN, to the late Lloyd and Mary Barnhart. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1957, attended St. Benedict Cathedral, and worked as a Realtor for F.C. Tucker Real Estate before retiring after 42 years of service. She was involved with Women’s Club and enjoyed being Mrs. Clause at Eastland Mall. Her favorite show to watch was Dancing with the Stars. She loved taking care of her home and enjoyed landscaping and working in her yard.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Tamela Carlile of Phoenix, AZ; son, Timothy White of Newburgh, IN; sister, Sandy Smith of Gulf Shores, AL; grandson, Clint Carlile of San Jose, CA; and family dog, Zoey.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. from 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN. Burial will be Private.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Vanderburgh Humane Society at 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710 or Albion Fellows Bacon Center at PO Box 3164, Evansville, IN 47731.
