Olney's grand old lady, Mrs. Louise Godejohann, who reached the remarkable age of 110, died this morning at Richland Memorial Hospital, where she had been patient the past eight days.

Mrs. Godejohann was the oldest Richland County resident in history, and at the time of her death she was believed to be the oldest resident of Illinois. Today she was exactly 110 years and six months old.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Lulu Norby, only surviving member of the Godejohann family of four children. For many years Mrs. Norby has lived with her mother at 318 S. Morgan St., where Mrs. Godejohann has lived the past 86 years, since moving to Olney in 1873.

Also surviving is a grandson, William C. Norby of La Grange, and two great-grandchildren. Carl W. Lubben of Olney is a nephew, and Mrs. Myra (Raymond W.) Piper of Olney is a great-niece.

The body is at the Schaub Funeral Home in Olney, where arrangements are incomplete.

Mrs. Godejohann was born in St. Louis, Mo. Dec. 31, 1849.

In 1871 she married William Godejohann in Fayetteville, Ill., where she attended school.

Mr. Godejohann, who manufactured the once famous "Sam Hill" cigar, died Jan. 9, 1930.

At the time of the Civil War, Mrs. Godejohann was in her mid teens, in Fayetteville, and she has vivid memories of the war's end in 1865, and the soldier's returning to their homes. One of her uncles fought in the war and returned safely after Appomatox.

Since her 100th birthday, she annually gained the national spotlight each Dec. 31 as one of the nation's oldest residents. She also received annual greetings from the President of the United States and the Governor of Illinois.

Until her 108th birthday, she entertained members of her family and a few close friends each year on her birthday, but the annual observances had to be discontinued two years ago because of her failing health.

Mrs. Godejohann was especially proud of her membership in the Presbyterian Church and she remained active in church affairs until an advanced age.

Until recent years she maintained an active interest in local and national affairs and possessed a keen and alert mind. She freely admitted to being a lifelong Republican.

A warm and pleasing personality made her one of Richland County's most beloved citizens.

Obit from an Olney, IL newspaper
(Obit submitted by #47276653)

Olney's grand old lady, Mrs. Louise Godejohann, who reached the remarkable age of 110, died this morning at Richland Memorial Hospital, where she had been patient the past eight days.

Mrs. Godejohann was the oldest Richland County resident in history, and at the time of her death she was believed to be the oldest resident of Illinois. Today she was exactly 110 years and six months old.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Lulu Norby, only surviving member of the Godejohann family of four children. For many years Mrs. Norby has lived with her mother at 318 S. Morgan St., where Mrs. Godejohann has lived the past 86 years, since moving to Olney in 1873.

Also surviving is a grandson, William C. Norby of La Grange, and two great-grandchildren. Carl W. Lubben of Olney is a nephew, and Mrs. Myra (Raymond W.) Piper of Olney is a great-niece.

The body is at the Schaub Funeral Home in Olney, where arrangements are incomplete.

Mrs. Godejohann was born in St. Louis, Mo. Dec. 31, 1849.

In 1871 she married William Godejohann in Fayetteville, Ill., where she attended school.

Mr. Godejohann, who manufactured the once famous "Sam Hill" cigar, died Jan. 9, 1930.

At the time of the Civil War, Mrs. Godejohann was in her mid teens, in Fayetteville, and she has vivid memories of the war's end in 1865, and the soldier's returning to their homes. One of her uncles fought in the war and returned safely after Appomatox.

Since her 100th birthday, she annually gained the national spotlight each Dec. 31 as one of the nation's oldest residents. She also received annual greetings from the President of the United States and the Governor of Illinois.

Until her 108th birthday, she entertained members of her family and a few close friends each year on her birthday, but the annual observances had to be discontinued two years ago because of her failing health.

Mrs. Godejohann was especially proud of her membership in the Presbyterian Church and she remained active in church affairs until an advanced age.

Until recent years she maintained an active interest in local and national affairs and possessed a keen and alert mind. She freely admitted to being a lifelong Republican.

A warm and pleasing personality made her one of Richland County's most beloved citizens.

Obit from an Olney, IL newspaper
(Obit submitted by #47276653)