Elsie Hinchcliff Koeneman

Elsie Hinchcliff Koeneman was 100 years old August 1, 2011. She passed away on September 28, 2011. She lived in the house she was born in until she was 92 years old and then moved to Maryville, TN to live with her daughter. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Hurst, Illinois and faithfully attended Blount Christian Church in Maryville, TN until she passed away. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Richard Hinchcliff and also, by her second husband, Kenneth Koeneman. Her son-in-law, Dr. Don G. Nichols, who she loved as a son, preceded her in death, also. Elsie was the daughter of Mike and Ruth Sanders. She had three brothers who all passed away before her as well as her special friend, Margaret Hindman, who she loved as a sister. Her only child, Patricia Nichols, whom she resided with for the past nine years, making Maryville, TN her home, survives her. Elsie is survived, also, by her grandchildren: Anne and John Mendes, Richard and Linda Nichols. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Alex Mendes (U.S. Air Force), Christina Mendes, Maria and Nathan Farnham, Renee and Tim McKeehan, and Aaron Nichols; also, by her great great grandchildren: Kayla McKeehan, Heather Nichols, Kurt and Deacon Farnham, all of Maryville, TN. She also leaves behind many friends who have treasured her company. Elsie was a graduate of Hurst Bush High School. She voted for the first time in 1932, casting her first vote for Franklin Roosevelt. She worked in the election process until she was well into her 80’s and stayed politically active until the time of her death, recently receiving her 100th Birthday card from President Obama and the First Lady. She adored and enjoyed the company of her grandchildren and loved to cook for family and friends. She celebrated her 100th birthday with 160 close friends and family the lst of August. In attendance were those who traveled from Illinois, Texas, and Florida to celebrate her life. A Celebration of her life will be held at Blount Christian Church, 323 Partnership Pkwy. (off 321) at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2011, with a fellowship hour to follow.