Ida A. Cauthon, 84, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 3:13 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.
Ida Arminda (Larkins) Cauthon was born October 29 1937 in Monmouth Illinois the first born of 5 daughters to Floyd & June (Rickles) Larkins. She married Autry Cauthon on May 8 1960 in Winterhaven, California. She is survived by her 5 children Samuel(Susan) Cauthon, Tracy(Matthew) Clevenger, Autry II( Sharon) Cauthon, Jessie( Larry JD) Wilson, Hope Cauthon(Brad Harms). She was blessed with 13 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. Sisters Lillian (Garvin) Main, Frances Allen, Mary Jo (Bill) Carle. Ida was preceded in death by her husband Autry on March 22, 2013; parents; one sister Sandra White; and a great grandson.
She lived in Little York, Illinois until the age of 8 when the family moved to Galesburg where she continued her education. At the age of 10 Ida entered a singing competition with her sister, Lillian, singing “Abba Dabba Dabba,” earning second place. Ida left formal schooling to help raise her siblings. Her love of kids led her to her first job as a babysitter. Ida and her sister, Lillian went to work at Ramey Snappy’s Lunch Counter in Galesburg; they saved their money and bought a red and white 1963 Plymouth that they both enjoyed cruising around town in. She enjoyed her youth going to skating rinks, being with her friends, and chasing boys.
After Ida and Autry were married, Ida took care of the kids but stayed working for many years as a waitress at different restaurants in Galesburg. She also worked for a time at Formfit Factory in Monmouth, Illinois. Family was most important to Ida. She felt the most blessed when she was with them and truly loved being with her grandchildren.
Ida enjoyed playing bingo, gambling at the river boats, crocheting, and having everyone over for family dinners.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2022 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be designated at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
