Retha Mary Kilburn

Retha Mary Kilburn, age 91, of Mayville, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023, at her home. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Jessie Kilburn; her son, Russell Grant; her daughter, Ramona (Doug) Prime; her eight grandchildren: Cory, Joel (Sarah), Troy (Andrea), Kristin (Matt), Katrina (Cody), Jesse (Nicole), Doug (Connie), and Jess; her thirteen great-grandchildren: Kayleigh (Zach), Alyssa, Shyann, Micah, Amiah, Laila, Mason, Bella, Chloe, Nolan, Brandon, Clara, and Kennedy; and her great-great-grandson, Tatum.

Retha was born August 2, 1932, in Pontiac, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert and Rosetta (Pence) Buhl. Retha was a twin, and had seven brothers and sisters! Retha was married to Alphie Grant in 1951, and during their time together, they had five children. Sadly, Alphie passed away on November 30, 1956. In 1960, Retha remarried to Jessie Kilburn, and they had one daughter. Jess and Retha built a wonderful Christian life together. Two of Retha’s favorite Bible verses included Isaiah 41:10, and John 3:16, and she loved the hymns “Just As I Am,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Retha loved to garden, and found great joy in watching the flowers in her garden bloom. Throughout her life as a wife and mother, Retha became an amazing cook; she could cook for an army, and cherished her ability to make a meal for her whole family to enjoy together. The holiday season was Retha’s favorite time of year. During the month of December, there were never less than two Christmas trees displayed in Retha’s home; sometimes she even had three!

Retha held fond memories made with her rescue dog, a Pappillon named Roo. Retha and Roo had an incredible bond, and over the years Roo became an amazing guardian for Retha; even staying beside until she was called home to the Lord. Retha was a wonderful woman who will be missed by many.

Retha was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Rosetta; her first husband, Alfred “Alphie” Grant; her three daughters: Renee Bredow, Roxanne Grant, and Rhonda Rogers; and her son, Rodney Grant.

At 1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Retha will be laid to rest at White Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider contributions in Retha’s memory to the Leader Dogs for the Blind.