Kathy Diane Bathon

Kathy Diane Bathon (Wilburn) passed away in her home on September 16, 2025. She was 69 years old.

Kathy was kind, supportive, and loved her family fiercely. She was the daughter of the late Bessie Parris. She is survived by her three children, Jason (Kelli) Bathon, Sarah Bathon, and Kate (Greg) Bathon Shufeldt, and her five grandchildren, Kaci, Leah, Eliza, Katelynn, and Ella. She was also survived by her siblings, Pat Ledford, Anita Lee, Pauletta Fyffe, and Mary Carter, and many nieces and nephews and their families. Kathy also leaves behind her good friends Linda Smith and Nancy Nowak.

Having always been a caring person and advocate for others, she went to nursing school at the age of 39. During her career, she worked at nursing homes, a migrant health center, the Southern Illinois University - Carbondale student health center, and the state of Missouri Department of Health Services. She retired in 2022 from MO where she investigated allegations of patient mistreatment and compliance issues at residential facilities.

Kathy was incredibly creative and talented, having sewn her first dress at the age of nine. Through the year, she excelled in sewing, other fiber arts, jewelry making, stained glass, and writing. Many of her pieces can be found in family photos, from First Communion dresses, Halloween costumes, and prom dresses. Since retiring, she has filled much of her time writing short stories. Kathy enjoyed learning and researching. She had interests in archaeology, ancient cultures, and indigenous peoples. She loved pink flamingos, Broadway musicals, and Billie Holiday.

She chose to be cremated and did not want a funeral service. She would have hated to be the center of attention. In lieu of flowers, friends, family, and neighbors are encouraged to make a donation to one of her favorite charities, Haven House, at www.havenhousepoplarbluff.org.