Amelia May Okai

Amelia M. Okai, age 94, of Highland, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Highland Healthcare in Highland. She was born on March 3, 1932, the daughter of the late Joseph Bausch and Frances (nee Nowake) Whiteside.

On September 16, 1950, she married Joseph Okai in East St. Louis, IL, he passed away on June 29, 1998. Amelia is also preceded in death by daughters, Rebecca Okai and Vickie Okai; granddaughter, Dana Warnecke; siblings, Vivian (Bill) Brittin, Joe (Nita) Bausch, Edwina (Ray) Kimutis, Don (Opal) Okai and Emily (Glen) Hirst; parents-in-law, Ted & Mary Okai; and stepfather, Basil Whiteside.

Amelia is survived by her daughters, Pam (Joe) Missey of Highland, Brenda Okai of Highland, Toni (Jim) Firkus of Smyrna, TN, Diane (Russ) Kloss of Highland and Kyra (Jerry) Stratman of Collinsville; grandchildren, Michelle Warnecke, Chris Schauster, Sarah Shafter, Jennifer (Mike) Durbin, Joe (Brian) Missey, Josh (Melissa) Missey, Jared (Lauren) Missey, Jordan Missey, Natalie (Kegan) Lee, Andy (Darby) Campbell Firkus, Alex (Justin Allen) Firkus, Stephanie (Chris) Comrie, Christa (Jason) Bense, Ashley (Chris) Haukap, Tom (Katie) Kloss, Melissa (Brian) Carey, Nick (Christina) Kloss, Chelsey (Jeremy) Boeser, Katie (Jacob) VonBokel, Alisha (Hampton) DeFrain, Dylan Kloss, Jacob Kloss, Amelia (Justin) Simmons and Roger (Sara Tyree) Stratman and many great and great great grandchildren

Amelia spent her life as a housewife. In her younger years, she enjoyed loved playing poker with friends. She also found great joy in the simple pleasures of reading, watching television game shows, and dancing whenever she heard her favorite music.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Highland with a Graveside Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, with Pastor Noah Durbin presiding.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to Highland Animal Shelter (MEHS) and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th St., Highland, IL 62249, which is serving the family