Kathleen Mary Sayles

Kathleen was born on October 6, 1941, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Cecilia (Sullivan) and Cornelius Hurley. The eldest of eight children, she spent most of her childhood and young adult years in Iowa City, where she graduated from Regina High School in 1959. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Iowa in 1963 and, many years later, completed a Master of Science degree from St. Xavier University in 1998.

While attending the University of Iowa, Kathleen met her husband, Don, while working as a waitress at the Big Ten Inn. They were married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Iowa City before beginning their life together in Pekin, Illinois. Over the next 62 years, they built a home filled with faith and love, raised their family, and cultivated lifelong friendships within a community they cherished. In May 2026, Kathleen and Don embarked on one final adventure, moving to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to family which allowed them to be together during her final months.

Kathleen devoted her life to her family and to education. During her 37-year career with District 108, she inspired generations of students, helping countless children discover the joy and power of reading while serving in a variety of leadership roles. Retirement only gave her more opportunities to serve others. She volunteered for many years with the YMCA Adult Literacy Program, the Pekin Hospital League, and the St. Vincent de Paul Snack Pack Program, helping provide weekend meals for children in need though her church. She was also an active member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Whether traveling to visit family or spending time with her grandchildren in Pennsylvania and Texas, Kathleen found her greatest happiness in caring for others and celebrating the people she loved.

Kathleen is survived by her husband of 62 years, Don Sayles; her daughters, Lisa (Lee) Fairall of San Antonio, Texas, and Stacy (Sean) Collins of Havertown, Pennsylvania; and her four beloved grandchildren, Carson Fairall (Keely), Ben Fairall, Patrick Collins, and Clare Collins, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

She is also survived by her siblings, Maureen (Robert) Eme of Evanston, Illinois; Theresa (Ralph) Mansfield of Wheeling, Illinois; Patrick (Candace) Hurley of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Peggy (Bruce) Jeffries of West Branch, Iowa; as well as her sisters-in-law, Avis Beuther, Catherine Kilbane, Linda Brown, and Diane Delozier Lahr.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sheila (Mike) Dalton; her brothers, Michael Hurley and Dennis Hurley; and her brother-in-law, Richard Beuther.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, volunteer, and friend. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a steady, calm force of goodness.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Father James C. Pankiewicz will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Inurnment will follow in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of her passion for teaching, donations will be accepted to Education Association of Pekin for a scholarship in her name. Donations may be made by check payable to: Education Association of Pekin and mailed to: Edison Junior High School, Attention: Chris Vehlow, 1400 Earl Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com