Kathryn Frances Bilby

Kathryn Frances (Akers) Bilby, 89 year old resident of The Maples in Springdale, AR went home to be with the Lord and her “My Jimmie” on Sunday, November 13. 2016. She was born July 20, 1927 in Quanah, TX, the daughter of Victor Manson and Ruby Blanch (Williams) Akers. She married Jimmie Charles Bilby, Sr. on January 16, 1946 in Plainview, TX. They moved to Siloam Springs, AR in 1959 to join his parents in operating the Bilby Food Center on Wright Street, they later bought and operated the store. Later they put in Bilby Foods, which was one of the first businesses on the Hwy. 412 by-pass, in the late 60’s and early 70’s. After selling the grocery store they later opened and operated Bilby Home Improvements until they retired in the mid 1990’s. Kathryn taught Sunday school for about 35 years working with children and youth. She also served as a Cub Scout Leader and helped with Webelows in Plainview, TX, served with the Parent Teacher Association for 6 years. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Siloam Springs, AR and was associated with Westside Baptist Church in Colcord, Ok prior to becoming a resident at The Maples. Kathryn loved everybody and loved working with people in school, church, and all the customers she served during the years. She was dearly loved by many people including all of her care givers over the last 3 years. She is proceeded in death by her parents and three sisters, Rena Pelphrey, Lena Strain, and Geraldine Walker, and her husband Jimmie, "the love of her life". She is survived by two sons, Charles Bilby and wife Carolyn of Siloam Springs, Leroy Bilby and wife Johnetta of Gentry, and one daughter, Georgia Bilby of Cookson, OK: two step-children, Mike Bilby and wife Tootie of Broken Arrow, Ok, and Peggy Harper of Tulsa, OK; six grandchildren, Jimmie Bilby and wife Kelly, Ginna Vincent and husband Mike, Victor Bilby and wife Michelle, Misty Martin and husband Jason, Chrisi Towery and husband Mark, Ryan Young, four step-grandchildren, Mark, Matt, Amy, and Alyson eighteen great grandchildren: one great great grandchild and one on the way; brother-in-law, Chuck Walker of Pensacola, FL, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Wasson Memorial Chapel in Siloam Springs, AR with Rev. Robert Matney officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill cemetery in Siloam Springs, AR. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, AR.

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Kathryn Frances Bilby

July 20, 1927 - November 13, 2016