Patsy Jane Lillie, 67, of Three Rivers, died Friday, March 12, 2010 at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo following a brief illness. She was born in New Troy on Aug. 14, 1942 the daughter of Kenneth and Opal (Case) Kempton. She graduated from Cassopolis High School and later from the Glen Oaks Community College School of Nursing. Patsy was a Registered Nurse who especially enjoyed geriatric care. She had worked at Fairview, Riverview, and Three Rivers Manor while living in Three Rivers. She was married to Keith Lillie in Cass County on July 20, 1961. They have resided in Three Rivers, Dowagiac, and Texas, before returning to Three Rivers 10 years ago. Patsy was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Three Rivers and enjoyed her meetings with the Fifty-Niners Breakfast Club. She also created many craft items for family and friends in her spare time.
Patsy is survived by her husband, Keith; two sons, David Lillie and Jeffrey Lillie both of Three Rivers; two daughters and their spouses, Christina and Randy Smith of Holland, Mich. and Cynthia and Mike Sullivan of Hartford; seven grandchildren, Brianna and Chandler Smith, Shane, Callie and Riley Sullivan, Joshua David Mohney-Lillie and Xavier Lillie; two brothers, Roger Kempton of Niles and Alton Kempton of Dowagiac; three sisters, Vera Hall of Dowagiac, Lucille Hoffman of Cassopolis and Lynda Kempton of Indianapolis; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Glen Kempton.
Cremation has been conducted. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20 at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers with Rev. Dr. Maria Rutland officiating. A private interment of ashes will take place in Riverside Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be directed to Kairos Dwelling, Home for the Terminally Ill, 2945 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. An online register is available and condolences may be left at www.efhchapel.com.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY BEST FRIEND I’VE HAD SINCE CHILDHOOD.
ALL THE VACATIONS TOGETHER, VERA AND I GOING TO TEXAS TO VISIT. HER AND I IN HIGH SCHOOL BEING MISS CASS AND MICH SKIT. BEING IN THE MISS CASS PAGENT, WE DIDNT WIN BUT HAD A GREAT TIME. SHE WAS LIKE A SISTER TO ME. I WILL SO MISS YOU. SHERRI