Kathy was a creative person and passionate about her family. She spent much of her life with a large group of close friends who she called the Ya-yas. She was an avid quilter and if you knew her well, you have a Kathy original in your home. She enjoyed baking treats for her family and friends. She loved history and when you stopped by to visit you could find her working a cross-stitch while watching a lecture on the vikings or medieval England. She loved British TV shows, especially mysteries, and she was a lifelong Star Trek fan. She was a voracious reader with a huge collection of books. She was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and tried not to miss a game. Most of all, she enjoyed time with her kids and grandkids.
She was born in 1950 in Peoria to Richard and Yvonne (Steiner) Knorr, and attended Manual High School. She attended the University of Illinois where she met her husband of more than 60 years, Bill Birkey, who passed away in 2019.
Surviving are sons Andy (Brandon Gil) Birkey, Joe Birkey, and David (Michelle) Birkey; two granddaughters, Lucille and Madalyn Birkey; Siblings Sandra (Bill) Graack, Patricia Cameron, and Richard (Sherry) Knorr; two grandogs, Giles and Hallie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathy was a great friend, sister, and mom, and she will be missed dearly.
Funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 3, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
Memorial may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Red Ribbon Ride.
You may view Kathy’s obituary online at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com
DONATIONS
Gary Sinise Foundation
Red Ribbon Ride
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