Kathy (Bush) Treadway

Kathy Treadway, 74, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family. A longtime resident of Vidor, Kathy moved to San Antonio in 2016. She survived lung cancer and fought COPD for more than a decade. More than once was she given a grim prognosis, only to beat the odds. Of course, she would say that she “hadn’t done anything; it was the Lord’s work,” and that the Lord would not take her until it was her time. The Lord called her home on Tuesday, Feb. 6th 2024.

Kathy was born Mary Kathleen Bush, to Varnell “Hicks” Bush and Velma Elaine Greene, in Alameda, California on Sept. 14th, 1949. Her family returned to Southeast Texas a few years later, where her sister, Danna, was born. Kathy was fiercely protective of her sister. Once when Danna was six years old, she was jerked off her bicycle by a bully who was bigger than either Danna or Kathy. Kathy, undeterred by the size of the girl, retaliated by beating the tar out of her. The girl ran off, and some say she is still running.

Kathy was a member of the South Park High School “Greenie” class of ’68 in Beaumont, Texas. She was a talented member of the choir under the leadership of the disciplined Mr. Leslie. Kathy and her best friend, Kathy Eaves, had the notorious distinction of being the first girls called before the school board for “disruptive behavior”; they occasionally skipped school with her lifelong friend, Mike Brewer, to take joy rides down to the beach in his car. Kathy loved the beach, and some of the best times of her life were spent there. She preferred Florida’s famous white sand beaches but, ultimately, any beach would do.

Kathy married the late Floyd Treadway in 1976. They met at a club where he asked her to dance, which she declined. Sparks flew, and they merrily and mercifully irritated each other for twenty-four years before his untimely passing in 2000. Floyd jokingly claimed that he had married Kathy because “she was the only person I ever met who was meaner than me.”

Kathy enjoyed cooking, and her shrimp creole, roast beef, and banana pudding were second to none. When she was the cook at Doris’ Café in Buna, her liver and onions were acclaimed. In a stroke of serendipity, Kathy’s future son-in-law’s father, John, raved about the liver and onions at Doris’ Cafe. She was a fastidious house keeper. It was noted, more than once, that if cleanliness was next to godliness, Kathy qualified for sainthood.

Kathy delighted in music and especially appreciated Elvis, Alan Jackson, and Celine Dion. She was immensely proud of her nephew, "Clayboy", and enjoyed seeing him perform on numerous occasions. During a recording session, Kathy was mortified (but we suspect secretly thrilled) when Clay informed her that she would be singing backup with the chorus on a song.

Kathy also enjoyed watching classic films with her family; Lonesome Dove, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, My Cousin Vinny, Christmas Vacation, and The Bird Cage were among her favorites. A favorite saying of her's, whenever she was mildly displeased, was to mirthfully say "the little lights aren't twinkling," - a direct reference to Christmas Vacation.

Kathy was spirited, warm, and funny, and she made friends effortlessly as a result. She was fortunate to make some special ones throughout her life, including those from an online group following the death of her husband.

Kathy retired from the custodial department at Lamar University in 2007. She loved working with Charlotte, Pat, Kim, Jimmy, and Flo.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd and her beloved dogs: Moonie, Scarlett, and Boots.

Kathy is survived by her beautiful daughters and their long-suffering spouses, Shannon and Arnold Baldwin of Vidor, and Selena and Scott Hidalgo of San Antonio; her stunning sister and esteemed spouse, Danna and Philip Yellott, of Vidor; her sister-in-spirit, Charlotte LeBlanc, also of Vidor; her grandchildren, Travis, Tisha, Tamra, and Henry (“Little Hank”); and numerous great-grandchildren.

Thank you to doctors Cynthia Castillo, Sheila Habib, and Amber Clapper. A special thank you to Jason Miller, Erika Reyes, Melissa Bertrand, and Ruth Bertrand.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17th at 2 pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park. Kathy was an annual supporter of Meals on Wheels; please donate to them in lieu of flowers. Kathy will be interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers: Arnold Baldwin, Scott Hidalgo, Curtis Murray, Travis Baldwin, Jarod Smith, and Ethan Baldwin.

Honorary Pallbearers: Phillip Yellott, and Clay Walker.