Lillian Mary Kemp

Lillian Mary Kemp, born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1933, passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 92. Lillian was born in East Dubuque, Illinois where she lived for 47 years, before moving to Merced, California for 18 years, Clovis, California for another 18 years, and finally settling back in Merced for the last 9 years. She was united in marriage with Merlin W. Kemp on January 12, 1957.

Lilly was a devout member of St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, Illinois, Sacred Heart, Clovis and St. Patrick’s Parish, Merced. She served as a Eucharistic minister at the Hampshire Senior Independent Living Center where she was in charge of setting up the altar for weekly prayer services, masses, and Holy Days of obligation.

She is survived by her children Deborah Woodbeck (Norman) Canada, Dora Crane (John) Merced, California, Marsha Schiltz (Rick) Patterson, California, Merlin Kemp (Karin) Miami, Florida, and Joe Kemp (Jodi) Clovis, California. Lily is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Lilly is preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Merlin W. Kemp, two grandsons Ryan and Brandon Crane, her son-in-law Rick Schiltz, beloved parents Nick and Albertine Slaats, her siblings Nicholas “Nick” Slaats Jr., Harriet “Mickey” Kortmeyer, Vivian “Dolly” Vanderah and Evelyn “Tudy” Wagner. Also, her grandparents Hubert and Maria Slaats, and Delpher and Mary Gagne.

Lilly was always incredibly devoted to her children and grandchildren in numerous ways, inspiring her family with her selflessness. She was the driving force that started fundraising efforts for the first school band. She served as President of the Band Boosters and PTA for many years. She worked at many concession stands and participated in many fundraisers over the years, devoting countless hours to supporting her children and grandchildren’s activities and attending every event with unwavering enthusiasm. Every year she participated in local variety shows that also raised funds for the local school. She was also very proud to have served on the Jo Daviess County Grand Jury in Galena, Illinois.

After moving to Merced but still having a passion for nurturing young minds, she embarked on a new journey at the Merced Racquet Club, leading the playroom with dedication and love. As parents reveled in their club activities, Lilly selflessly cared for their little ones earning the esteemed title of “Employee of the Month” several times, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the children and the club.

Rosary will be Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Merced, California with Mass following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery following services.

The family would like to especially thank Dora, her daughter, for all the care and love that she showed to mom all the years in Merced.