Sarah Ione Kassner, 100, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 12:40 p.m. on September 17, 2026, at Greentree Assisted Living and Memory Care in Mount Vernon.
Born on March 8, 1926, in Crawford County, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Dennis and Orpha (Rich) Midgett. Ione grew up in Flat Rock alongside her seven siblings in a large, close-knit family. Demonstrating a strong independent spirit early in life, she worked through high school at the Marathon Oil Company in Robinson, Illinois as an executive secretary to help fund her education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from SIU Carbondale.
On May 9, 1953, Ione married Frank Kassner in Flat Rock, Illinois, and together they built a loving family. Later in life, she returned to SIU to complete her master’s degree, embarking on a fulfilling 15-year career teaching at Wayne City High School.
Beyond her career and devotion to her family, Ione embraced life fully. She and Frank traveled often, spending their 20 winters together in South Padre Island, Texas, and she always cherished hosting friends for card and board games. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she was a longtime member of the Logan Street Baptist Church. She will be remembered fondly as a devoted mother, treasured grandmother, dear sister, and a loyal friend to many.
Ione is survived by her son, David Kassner and wife, Jennifer of Mount Vernon; daughter, Karen Kassner of Kansas City, Kansas; grandchildren, Carol Anne Johnson and Candy Stock; and sister, Nadene Draper.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ione was preceded in death by her siblings, John Midgett, Cleo Baldwin, Beulah Midgett, Clarence Midgett, Helen Fatt, and an infant sister.
A Visitation will be held Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home with Brother Alan Smith officiating. Memorials may be made in Ione’s honor to Logan Street Baptist Church.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
