Catherine E. Bliss (81) of Effingham

Catherine Elizabeth Bliss, 81, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 at her home in Effingham.

Private family services will be held at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Fear Nothing or to Sacred Heart Church and can be mailed to P.O. Box 1138, Effingham, Illinois 62401. 

Catherine was born January 12, 1939 in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of Claude C. and Zenobia (Westfall) Spence. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham where she belonged to the Council of Catholic Women. Catherine was a teacher for 30 years, retiring in May of 2001 after educating students at Effingham High School and Lakeland College.  

Catherine is survived by her sons, Richard (Sheryl) Zumbahlen of Newton, Michael (Carol) Zumbahlen of Effingham and James Zumbahlen of Effingham; 12 grandchildren, Bryan Zumbahlen, Jason Koenig, Beth Koenig, Joshua (Lauren) Koenig, Megan (Clint) Lustig, Michaela (fiance, Trenton) Zumbahlen, Carrie (TJ) Michaels, Dustin (Ashley) Zumbahlen, Alexis (Justin) Henderson, Stephanie Cholula, Angelica (Zach) Anderson, Asia (fiance, Cody) Zumbahlen and Austin Zumbahlen; 17 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Anne Bourgeois of Effingham, Sue Poe of Altamont, Barb Murphy of Tuscola, Joan Gouchenouer of Springfield, Terri (Ray) Levingston of Montrose; brother, Pete (Debra) Spence of Effingham.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Cindy Koenig; son, Steve Zumbahlen; grandson, Richie Zumbahlen; granddaughter, Katie Koenig; sister, Jeanne Derry; brothers, Mackie (Doris) Spence, Jack Spence and Laddie (Norma) Spence; brother-in-law, George Bourgeois.