Metta Lou Elmore Karn (92) passed peacefully in her sleep and went to be with her Lord
on April 12, 2021. She was fortunate enough to die exactly the way she would have
wanted – in her own home with those who loved her.
Private family services will be held with interment in the Bailey Cemetery, Jasper
County, Illinois. Crain Funeral Home, Newton is assisting the family with the services.
Metta Lou was one of seven children born to Alton Dee and Byrdean (French) Elmore.
Metta Lou married Clarence (“Joe”) Karn (1929-1998). They shared 34 years of
marriage before his death on July 6, 1998. Previous to marrying Joe Karn, Metta was
married to Johnny William Colwell (1922-1962). They shared 19 years of marriage.
Metta Lou Karn was the first women to work at several industrial employment positions,
paved the wave and was inspirational for many women throughout her life, such as; she
was employed by the Pentagon, Joliet Illinois Arsenal as a Controller of the mixture of
atomic bombs, owner of seven Warco gas stations, first woman to work for Illinois
Caterpillar as a dye setter, learned to be a pilot in Rockford, Illinois and flew airplanes,
and worked at the Glove Factory in Effingham, Illinois. Up to the age of 81, Metta Lou
cared for the elderly and felt deeply about the proper care and rights of the elderly.
Metta Lou Karn graduated from Dieterich High School where her uncle Homer French
taught. She was a believer in higher education, loved reading books especially Christian
literature, and was inspired by the Bible – she loved the Lord. She was a Donald Trump
enthusiast, collected everything, got excited about going to auctions, loved farming,
gardening and always had a dream. She would tell everyone, there are two things no
one can take away from you, your education and your dreams. “Just because I am old,
doesn’t mean that I can’t dream.”
Survivors include her daughters Aletta Jo Scribner (Jody Karn) and Deanna Jill Karn
(“Jill”); grandchildren Tara Lauranne Gill, Thomas Cole Scribner, Shennen Justus
Stepp, and Madison Monroe Gawlinski; great-grandchildren Kara Stepp, Mason Michl,
Tommy Jr. Scribner, Joseph “Joey” Scribner, Anthony Scribner, and Jacob Hodges and
her brothers Kit Carson Elmore and Larceny Lee Elmore.
Her parents, husbands Joe and Johnny and siblings Abraham Elmore, Byron Elmore,
Larry Elmore, and Deloris (Elmore) Staley preceded her in death.
Message from her two daughters:
She believed without a doubt that her two daughters were perfect. And even if we
weren’t, she never said otherwise in public. She was the most loved, most wonderful
Mom in the world. She was always our best friend, supporter, strength, and comfort
when times were tough. I don’t know how we will cope without her –it leaves a massive
hole in our lives. But, we will draw strength from the things she taught us and live by the
words she encouraged us with. “We feel honored and privileged to have been your
daughter. You always loved us unconditionally and were the best mother anyone could
wish for. We will miss you dearly, forever.”
Love, Jody and Jill.
