Theresa Courtois

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Theresa Courtois, 81, of Perryville died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, peacefully at her home.

She was born Sept. 5, 1931, in Perry County, Mo., to Henry and Hennrietta Berkbigler Kirn. She and Richard A. Courtois Sr. were married Oct. 28, 1950. He survives in Perryville.

She was founding co-owner/operator of Farm Fresh Milk Store in Perryville, which opened in 1972. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Ladies of Charity and Adoration Adorer. She taught first through eighth grade in a one-room school near Silver Lake, Mo. She was bookkeeper for Farm Fresh, Perry County Republican, Perryville Co-op and Farm Bureau and a seamstress. She volunteered at St. Vincent Thrift Store and was an avid bridge player, crocheter, quilter, knitter and all other needle crafts.

Other survivors include two daughters, Susan Jaycox (fiancé Will Fell) of Savannah, Ga., and Mary McIntyre of Melbourne, Fla.; one son, Ronald (Connie) Courtois of Perryville; nine grandchildren, Andrea Courtois, Alexis Courtois, Jason (Gwen) Jaycox, Amy (Ryan) Cornell, Sean (Maegen) McIntyre, Eric McIntyre, Patrick (fiancee Stephanie) McIntyre, Amanda (Blake) Sauer and Benjamin Courtois; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Kevin and Richard "Stone" Courtois Jr.; three brothers; and two sons-in-law.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Young and Sons Funeral Home, with parish wake at 7 p.m., and from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, with rosary at 9 a.m.

She will be taken to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for Mass at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Milton Ryan C.M. officiating. Entombment will be in Mary Queen of Heaven Mausoleum.

Memorials are preferred to the St. Vincent Band or Birthright.

Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville, provided the arrangements.