Caroline England Funk, 95, of Liberty died June 23, 2026, following a short illness. Mrs. Funk was a Festus High School graduate and a 1952 Lindenwood College graduate with a degree in music education. Shortly after graduation, she married Leo, and they were married for 56 years. After a year living in St. Charles, she and her husband moved to Lancaster in 1952, where they eventually purchased the Schuyler County State Bank in 1973. A multi-talented person, she raised her children, was a great cook, worked at the bank when needed, tended to a big garden and was active in the local church, including 27 years as the choir director. She was a 75-year member of P.E.O. and rarely missed meetings. She served one term on the Board of Regents of Northeast Missouri State University and was a longtime board member of the Schuyler County Nursing Home. She and her husband retired in 1983, and in 1985 moved to Columbia, where they enjoyed playing golf, participating in church activities, traveling and attending Missouri Tiger sports events. They also loved following the athletic and academic activities of their grandchildren. She was a St. Louis Cardinal fan, attending her first Cardinal game in 1942 and her final one in 2021. She continued to use her alto voice in the church choir until her late 80s. Born July 22, 1930, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Charles C. and Mabel England. She was the stepdaughter of the late Lois Schlatter.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Leo Funk.
She is survived by two children: Charles (Connie) Funk of Iowa City, Iowa, and Gretchen (John) Crossett of Liberty; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by three sisters: Mary Ellen, Katherine and Martha Ann; and a brother: Charles Jr.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at First United Methodist Church, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Tish Green. Graveside services will follow in the Presbyterian-Methodist Cemetery in Festus. Memorials may be made to the Truman State University Foundation, Cottey College Cottey Fund or Columbia United Methodist Church Music Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.