Elizabeth "Cricket" Kilgore

NORTHPORT | Mary Elizabeth Rutledge Kilgore, age 101, resident of Northport, Alabama for 75 plus years died Saturday, August 9, 2014. She was married to the late Thomas Kermit Kilgore for 72 years.

She was born in Jasper, Alabama, youngest daughter of the late George Houston Rutledge & Mary (Molly) Genary Crump Rutledge. Preceding her in death were two brothers and four sisters.

Her careers included domestic engineering, and nursing. She also helped with the management of the family farm and dairy operation for approximately 40 years. She loved gardening, fishing, cooking, walking, quilting, and especially loved Gaithers gospel music. She did a quilt for each of her eight children, her 26 grandchildren, and many of the great grandchildren.

Elizabeth "Cricket" Kilgore was a long time member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church. She was a true example of what a mother, housewife, helpmate, a grandmother and great-grandmother should be. As a devout Christian, she always encouraged her children to go to church and to take their children to church. One of the frequent comments she made was that "To be truly successful, "One's Life Must Be Grounded in the Lord".

She was the mother of eight children: Thomas Rutledge Kilgore (Gena), Tuscaloosa, Grady Connor Kilgore (Dorothy - deceased), Benbrook, Texas, John Wilson Kilgore - deceased (Rose), Montgomery, Mary Kilgore Pate (Don), Birmingham, Betty Kilgore Elledge (Bill), Birmingham, Robert Frederick Kilgore (Mary Dell), Tuscaloosa, Doris Kilgore Tharpe (Ray - deceased), Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Harry Clayton Kilgore (Elaine), Northport. She was blessed with 26 grandchildren - two deceased, 36 great-grandchildren, and many great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa, AL, Hospice of West Alabama, or favorite charity.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa. Visitation will be one hour prior services at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons.

Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetbrown-funeral.com.