Kathleen Best
d. July 16, 2020
Kathleen Best, age 80.5, of Petersburg, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020.
Kathy was born on March 17, 1940 in Decatur, IL the daughter of Ralph James and Dorothy Mae (Ehrhart) Doyle.
While Kathy had no biological children, she is survived by, her “kids” Joe and Anna Tabit. She was Grandma to Amanda (Alex) Wiley, Brandon (Brittany Bentley) Fowler, Koreena (Chris) Haire, Chad (Jillian Hills) Fowler, Preston (Dylan Pardy) Floyd and Madison Tabit. While she loved her entire family, perhaps her favorite title was that of Granny to Jolie, Monty, Sully and Bexley.
Kathy will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, Gerianne, Terianne, John and Michael Hannibal as well as her step-son, Harry (Dawn) Best Jr. and step-grandchildren, Rachelle, Seth and Zoe Best.
Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Harry A. Best Sr., both parents and her only sibling, Patricia Anne Hannibal.
She graduated from St. Theresa High School in Decatur, Illinois and later went on to retire from Illinois Bell as a telephone operator.
Kathy enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading, social media and most of all spending time with family and friends. She didn’t know a stranger and most referred to her as Grandma.
Kathy was of the Catholic faith and found great comfort in her final days knowing that she would soon be reunited with her mother and sister.
Visitation for Kathy will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, IL. Services will immediately follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
Burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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Posted July 18th, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Wonderful lady, never knew a stranger. Simply the BEST!
Posted July 19th, 2020 at 6:33 am
Anna/Joe and family—-so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. I know she meant a lot to you and you certainly meant a lot to her. Please know that we keep all of you in our prayers that God helps you find peace and comfort in your sorrow. May your memories sustain you during this time.
Posted July 19th, 2020 at 8:26 am
So sorry for your loss. Kathy was a lovely person and I enjoyed our time together. May God grant you peace and love during this time of mourning.
Posted July 21st, 2020 at 6:22 am
Kathy was a kind and gracious person. She has been missed since she left the farm in Missouri, but never forgotten, nor have we forgotten Harry! May the family have peace knowing they were loved by many.
Posted July 21st, 2020 at 12:25 pm
I am so sorry to hear this, I knew Kathy from the 4th grade though High School at St. Teresa. She had a great Father, who was a Detective on The Decatur Police Force. I have not seen or heard about her for over 60 years.
May she rest in Peace.
Posted July 22nd, 2020 at 6:31 pm
My sister, Mary Jo Vail (Comerford) and Kathleen we’re good friends from 1st grade to the present.
Kathleen was like a sister to me and spent many happy times at our house growing up.
Mary Jo and I had lunch recently in Springfield with Kathleen, sharing memories and laughs. She was so much fun.
I will never forget you Kathleen❤️
Posted August 8th, 2020 at 7:09 am
Great person and friend, RIP I cherish all the years we worked together and ran around together… you will be missed 💕🙏🌈
Posted September 30th, 2021 at 2:21 pm
So sorry to hear of Kathleen’s passing. Her childhood friend, Mary Allen Goe