Katherine Lee Leathers

PEKIN ~ Katherine L. Leathers, 72, of Canton, passed away at 12 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton surrounded by her family and close friends. She was formerly of Pekin.

Born July 28, 1951 in Virginia Beach, Virginia to James A. and Margaret P. (Hull) Smith, she married William F. Leathers on November 21, 2000 in Reno, Nevada. He died on March 22, 2011. She also was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are two sisters, Ruth Cramer of Pekin and Nancy Smith of Peoria; one brother, Jim (Cindy) Smith of Pekin; two nieces, Jennifer Woodley of Pekin and Lisa (Jeff) Badorek of Bartonville; her grandnieces, Emily Woodley, Carrie Woodley, Isabella Badorek, Alexa Badorek and Evie Badorek; one grandnephew, Jeremiah Woodley and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She also leaves her special friends, Bob, Paul and staff at Renaissance Care Center and the staff of Traditions Hospice.

Kathy loved working in social services, especially as a job coach for the developmentally disabled. She loved the numerous cats, dogs and even a rabbit that she rescued. She loved people with an open heart and they loved her in return. Most importantly, she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who died for her and she slipped away peacefully into His loving arms.

Her graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2023 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Chaplain Lisa Cato-Crider will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com