Della Catherine Millay Kuehle, 96, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024,
at her home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
She was born on March 15, 1928, in Prairie Field, Illinois, to Claude Richard
Millay and Clotilda Anna Carrico Millay. Catherine, as she was known to her
friends, grew up in Stanley, Kentucky, near Owensboro, in a large family with six
brothers and one sister.
At the age of 15, she joined the workforce at the GE plant in Owensboro to support
the war effort. During World War II, her brother James introduced her, through
letters, to his best friend, Melvin Kuehle. Their correspondence blossomed into
love, and after the war, they married. Together, they raised three children and
celebrated 72 years of marriage before Melvin’s passing.
Catherine was devoted to her family, dedicating her life to raising her children and
helping care for two of her grandchildren, Amanda and Bryan. Known for her
kindness, she often brought soup to neighbors in need. She found joy in her flower
garden, bowling with her league, and crocheting intricate afghans for family and
friends.
A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral
and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
Catherine is survived by her children: Sandra Graham, Karen Crain (Tom
Armbruster), and R. Keith Kuehle (Linda); her grandchildren, Erica Graham, Kara
Graham, Amanda Webb Merryman (Jerry), and M. Bryan Crain (Lauren); and her
great-grandchildren, Emmy Crain, Axel Merryman, Sydney Merryman, and
Brooklyn Merryman. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Kuehle; her sister, Mary
Bennett; and her brothers, Richard, Ferman, Gilbert, Herbert, James, and David
Millay.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Rhonda Tucker for her
exceptional care and support in Catherine and Melvin’s later years.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral in Cape
Girardeau, Missouri, on December 18, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at St.
Mary Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to the American
Cancer Society, Shriners Hospitals for Children, National Autism Association, or
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of
arrangements.