Kathryn “Kay” Davis, 85, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at her daughter’s home, surrounded by loved ones.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Fairbury. Funeral Service will be on Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to the funeral at the church beginning at 10:00 am.
Memorial contributions can be made in Kay’s name to OSF Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Kay was born April 26,1939 in Fairbury, Illinois to Loren and Dorothy French. Her surviving siblings include brother-in-law Dubbie Armstrong, sister Karen (Brian) Armstrong, sister Sharen (Phil) Paternoster, and brother-in-law Steve Sodeman.
She married Glenn “Buzzy” Davis on February 23, 1958. Buzz and their infant daughter, Denise, preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her siblings: Janet Armstrong, Lauren Sodeman, and Greg French.
She is survived by son, Rodney (Gina) Davis of Vernon Hills, IL, daughters Dawn Davis of Morton, and Melanie (Chuck) Reno of Arlington Heights, IL and 7 grandchildren, Lindsey Davis, Kevin (Lauren) Davis, Kelly Davis, Abby Reno, Dylan Reno, Peyton Reno, and Tory (Markeeta) Davis.
Kay resided on a farm 2.5 miles east of Strawn with her husband and children. She began her teaching career as a teacher’s aide (para-professional) at Strawn Elementary School and later went to Westview Elementary School in Fairbury for over 20 years. After her children were grown, she received her associates degree in music from Parkland College.
Kay’s love for music filled her life and brought her so much joy. She shared her musical talent by teaching piano lessons for over 40 years to countless students. Kay played the organ at the Fairbury First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury for nearly 50 years. She also directed children’s and adult choirs, as well as numerous Christmas and community musical productions. Her ministry of music extended to playing at the nursing home, singing and playing for weddings, accompanying students for musical contests, creating musical programs for elementary school children and performing in England and Ireland with a Bloomington Community Chorale.
Kay loved living on the farm, gardening, needlepoint, crocheting and hosting hayrack rides in the Fall, singing around the piano, being with her grandkids flying kites, eating ice cream and reading books to them. Her humor was known by all with a quick laugh and twinkle in her eye.
Above all, she had a strong faith that she shared with everyone in numerous ways. She was active in the church leading Bible study and prayer groups, ministering on prison teams and Mexico missions.
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