Amelee Killion

Amelee Killion, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and longtime Atascadero resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, surrounded by family. She was 88 years old.

Amelee was born in Boulder City, Nevada, on December 28, 1936, to Charlie Pitcher and Mary Lee Pitcher. As an infant, she moved with her family to Santa Margarita, California, where she was raised. She graduated from Atascadero High School in 1954, where she proudly marched as a majorette.

She met Lewis (Lew) Emmitt Killion in high school, and the two were married on February 11, 1955. Together, they shared nearly 68 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love, family, friends, and community. They raised four children:

Carol Brown, Conni (Joe) Valdez of Hanford, CA, Dan (Linda) Killion of Atascadero, CA, and Jim Killion of San Luis Obispo, CA.

Amelee was a homemaker in the truest and most loving sense. She took pride in raising her children, caring for her home, and creating a warm and steady foundation for her family. She was a master canner through the UC Cooperative Extension and a Master Food Preserver, known for her delicious preserves. She volunteered with 4-H, where she taught cooking and sewing to local youth. She was a talented baker whose pies, cakes, candies, and Christmas rolls were treasured by all who tasted them. Her beautiful rose garden was one of her greatest joys, and she spent countless hours tending to her flowers.

She and Lew were longtime members of the American Cribbage Congress and played in tournaments throughout the years; Amelee proudly held a ranking of #523 among Cribbage Masters. She was also a proud member of the Red Hats, loved playing cribbage at home, and delighted in caring for those around her.

Amelee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis E. Killion; her daughter Carol; her son-in-law Joe Valdez; her siblings Betty Shea, Diane Jordan, and Eddie Maggetti; her grandson Jonathan; and her great-grandson Michael.

She is survived by her children Conni, Dan, and Jim; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, along with extended family and many dear friends.

She will be remembered for her steady spirit, her devotion to family, and the beautiful life she built with Lew, a legacy that will continue to bloom through every generation she leaves behind.

A celebration of Amelee’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes cards and memories to be mailed.