Emilie Helen Karafit

Emilie Helen Karafit, 103, of Montezuma, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Mercer Community Hospital in Coldwater, Ohio. She was born on October 24, 1921, in Vnorovy, Czechoslovakia, to Anna and John Kurivial.

Emilie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen Karafit; her son, John Karafit; her brother, John Kurivial; and her sister Anna (Michael) Samuhel. She is survived by her five children: Rose (Paul (dec.)) Eshbaugh of Bellbrook, Ohio; Elizabeth (Tom) Sunkel of Fort Collins, Colorado; Carol (Robert) Forsthoefel of Coldwater, Ohio; James (Brenda) Karafit of Montezuma, Ohio; and Jane Karafit (Edward Sheppard (dec.)) of New Carlisle, Ohio. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Doris Kurivial, and many nieces and nephews.

At the age of seven, Emilie immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia, settling in northern Ohio. She remained deeply connected to her roots, actively participating in Czech and Slovak organizations dedicated to preserving their cherished customs and traditions.

In 1943, Emilie met the love of her life, Stephen Karafit, at a Czechoslovak festival dance. Their courtship was brief but filled with love, and they soon married. Emilie then moved to the Karafit family farm in Montezuma.

Emilie’s kitchen was the heart of her home, where she lovingly prepared traditional dishes, from rolling cabbage rolls to teaching her daughters and granddaughters how to make Rholíčky and other Czech pastries. The Karafit farm was never quiet—there were always gatherings, filled with music, food, and friendship. No one was ever a stranger in Emilie’s home.

She was the oldest member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Montezuma, Ohio, where she remained a devoted parishioner throughout her life.


A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Montezuma. Visitation will take place from 9AM to 10AM prior to the service at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater. Following the Mass, Emilie will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Emilie’s honor.