Martha “Carolyn” Mahnke, 83, of Bluford, Ill., formerly of Festus, died on Nov. 13, 2023, at her home. Mrs. Mahnke was a dairy manager and deli worker at grocery stores. She married Nolan Payne on June 27, 1958, and then remarried Ronald Mahnke in Marion, Ill. in February 1980. She was a member of the Plattin United Methodist Church in Festus and Landmark Church in Mt. Vernon, Ill. She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Born June 26, 1940, in Wayne County, Ill., she was the daughter of Hubert and Mary Louise (Ozment) Ellis.
She was preceded in death by her husbands: Nolan Payne and Ronald Mahnke.
She is survived by two daughters: Patty Payne of Mt. Vernon, Ill. and Cheryl Myers of Bluford, Ill.; four grandchildren: Jason Myers, Autumn O’Bryant, Nathan McCoy and Calen McCoy; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a brother: Ted (Brenda) Ellis of Effingham, Ill.; a sister: Laura (Dean) Henson-Taylor of Bluford, Ill.; a sister-in-law: Linda Ellis of Keenes, Ill.; and an uncle: Jimmie Ozment of Wyandotte, Mich.
She also was preceded in death by a brother: John Ellis; two sisters: Anna Marie Wicklein and Jean Kaufman; and a brother-in-law: Dale Henson.
Graveside services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Effingham, Ill. Arrangements are under the direction of Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory in Granite City, Ill.