Katherine Ann Schwartz

LONGVIEW — Katherine Ann (Kay) Schwartz, 77, of rural Longview left her earthly home and ran into the arms of Jesus Christ, her loving Lord and Savior, at 10:40 p.m. Sunday (April 1, 2018) after being injured in a car accident. She was surrounded by her loving family and pastor.

A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018, in Homer New Life Church of Faith, with Pastor CW Greer officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Joines Funeral Home, 1375 Illinois 130 South, Villa Grove.

Mrs. Schwartz was born April 17, 1940, in Mattoon, a daughter of Allen “Mike” and Florence (Rickelman) Wesch. She married James “Jim” Schwartz on June 14, 1958, and he preceded her in death on July 16, 2017.

Surviving are daughters, Cindy (Mike) Dillman of Longview and Debbie (Mike) Bucher of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Chad (Elizabeth) Dillman, Lauren (David) Robbins, Emily (Ben) McKenna, Holden Bucher and Craig (Brandi) Kibler; great-grandchildren, Erik Kibler, Bailey Kibler, Adelyn McKenna, Elise McKenna, Alice Kay McKenna, Jonathan Robbins and Piper Hawkins; and brother, Mark Wesch of Tuscola.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, parents and daughter, Connie.

Kay graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1958. She then moved to Longview where she lived her entire married life. She still enjoyed getting together with old classmates and planning reunions.

Kay was first and foremost a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Over the years, she was an Avon lady, 4-H leader and Sunday school teacher. She cleaned houses for many years and worked for Marbles Catering. Kay was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of Homer New Life Church of Faith. She encouraged all and was known for sending cards to many people. She was strong in her faith and not afraid to share with anyone. She was filled with joy and never lost it through her earthly battles. Kay loved working in her garden and yard. She loved visiting with her friends, and she particularly loved babies. She was known by many as Kay-Kay. While Jim was alive, they had a ministry of helps where they would lend a hand to anyone needing assistance. She was also a member of Champaign County Republicans and enjoyed riding in the Independence Day Parade. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith, Homer.

Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette 4/3/2018