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Children struggle with costs after mother dies
By Hillary Gavan
Daily News staff writer
Benefit sale to pay for funeral expenses
Mary Jinkerson, 24, and her brother, Christopher Johnle, 36, haven't had much time to grieve the loss of their mother.
Connie Johnle, 62, passed away on Aug. 15 after a four-year battle with carcinoid tumors, a type of incurable cancer. Since her death, her children have been struggling to pay for her funeral costs and tombstone as well as some lingering utility and medical bills.
Connie Johnle's costly battle with cancer left her penniless, so her children and granddaughter, Ashley Frisbee, 17, and other family members have decided to hold a unique fundraiser to pay off the bills and give proper tribute to Connie's life.
The family will hold a benefit sale Saturday through Monday at 2102 St. Lawrence Ave., Beloit. Mary and Christopher are accepting gently used donations for the sale and already have a lineup of antiques, clothing, wheelchairs, walkers, tools, radios, milk cans and more. A bake sale will be held alongside the main sale.
The family is trying to consider all options for helping Mary and Christopher. They were considering a traditional benefit, until Connie's health quickly took a turn for the worst in August.
Her children said Johnle had a good attitude during her illness and attended Victory Baptist Church almost every Sunday. She set the example for people being faithful under any circumstance. Connie's greatest fear, however, was to leave her children with a large funeral bill.
Although family members have chipped in some money, Mary and Christopher still have $1,800 left to pay for the funeral and $1,900 to pay for a simple tombstone.
Mary, a comfort keeper, and Christopher, an employee at Wisconsin Knifeworks where his hours have dwindled, don't have several thousand dollars to spend.
Although it's difficult to ask for help, they are proud to have come together as a family to make the best of this personal tragedy.
Her children remember when Johnle was first diagnosed with cancer in 2004. During the next several years, Johnle was part of three different clinical studies, but after being on each one for a short while, she could no longer tolerate the side effects of the medicine.
Mary Jinkerson said she knew the study medications wouldn't help her, but used them anyway to help others with cancer.
Connie Johnle's granddaughter, Ashley, said she remembers her grandmother for always perking up around others and her warm way of greeting people.
“She liked when you came over but didn't like when you left,” said daughter Mary Jinkerson. “If you liked the shirt she was wearing, she'd give it to you.”
For more information on the sale or to donate baked goods contact Mary Jinkerson at 608-346-0297.
Mary Jinkerson, 24, and her brother, Christopher Johnle, 36, haven't had much time to grieve the loss of their mother.
Connie Johnle, 62, passed away on Aug. 15 after a four-year battle with carcinoid tumors, a type of incurable cancer. Since her death, her children have been struggling to pay for her funeral costs and tombstone as well as some lingering utility and medical bills.
Connie Johnle's costly battle with cancer left her penniless, so her children and granddaughter, Ashley Frisbee, 17, and other family members have decided to hold a unique fundraiser to pay off the bills and give proper tribute to Connie's life.
The family will hold a benefit sale Saturday through Monday at 2102 St. Lawrence Ave., Beloit. Mary and Christopher are accepting gently used donations for the sale and already have a lineup of antiques, clothing, wheelchairs, walkers, tools, radios, milk cans and more. A bake sale will be held alongside the main sale.
The family is trying to consider all options for helping Mary and Christopher. They were considering a traditional benefit, until Connie's health quickly took a turn for the worst in August.
Her children said Johnle had a good attitude during her illness and attended Victory Baptist Church almost every Sunday. She set the example for people being faithful under any circumstance. Connie's greatest fear, however, was to leave her children with a large funeral bill.
Although family members have chipped in some money, Mary and Christopher still have $1,800 left to pay for the funeral and $1,900 to pay for a simple tombstone.
Mary, a comfort keeper, and Christopher, an employee at Wisconsin Knifeworks where his hours have dwindled, don't have several thousand dollars to spend.
Although it's difficult to ask for help, they are proud to have come together as a family to make the best of this personal tragedy.
Her children remember when Johnle was first diagnosed with cancer in 2004. During the next several years, Johnle was part of three different clinical studies, but after being on each one for a short while, she could no longer tolerate the side effects of the medicine.
Mary Jinkerson said she knew the study medications wouldn't help her, but used them anyway to help others with cancer.
Connie Johnle's granddaughter, Ashley, said she remembers her grandmother for always perking up around others and her warm way of greeting people.
“She liked when you came over but didn't like when you left,” said daughter Mary Jinkerson. “If you liked the shirt she was wearing, she'd give it to you.”
For more information on the sale or to donate baked goods contact Mary Jinkerson at 608-346-0297.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of beloitdailynews.com.
bjinkerson wrote on Oct 28, 2008 7:06 PM:
" I do not believe that the children are responsible for the debt and I being Mary's Aunt on her dads side believe that all has been paid for even the head stone
I am suprised though that it cost so much for when at the funeral we were told that all was paid for by the church or the state and all they had to come up with was for the head stone and was told that between the gifts at funeral and the sale they had plenty to pay for it.
I loved Connie she was not married to my brother but might as well have been and she will always be in my heart and in my family "
I am suprised though that it cost so much for when at the funeral we were told that all was paid for by the church or the state and all they had to come up with was for the head stone and was told that between the gifts at funeral and the sale they had plenty to pay for it.
I loved Connie she was not married to my brother but might as well have been and she will always be in my heart and in my family "
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lokimc wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:38 AM:
i love the idea of the fundraiser to purchase a tombstone--these children want to honor their mother's life in a visible way! "