Kaye Marie Wilkins, age 84, formerly of Fulton, IL, passed away on September 1, 2023, at Allure of Prophetstown, in Prophetstown, IL.
Kaye was born on March 16, 1939, in Geddes, SD, to Clarence J. and Vera (Jones) Davis. She embarked on her life journey in Sterling, IL, where she received her early education in the local grade schools and attended Sterling High School. On July 2, 1956, Kaye married Larry D. Wilkins in Fulton, beginning a lifelong partnership that lasted until Larry’s passing on February 11, 2022. Kaye was a woman who wore many hats throughout her life. She worked diligently at Harbor Crest Nursing Home and local bakeries in Fulton and Morrison, demonstrating her strong work ethic. Additionally, she embraced her role as a homemaker with love and dedication. Kaye’s faith was an essential part of her life. She was a former member of Spring Valley Reformed Church, where she participated in the Spring Valley Echoes. Currently, she was an active member of Journey Church in Clinton, IA, where she served as head of the Mission Board, taking two mission trips to Ukraine that touched her heart. Kaye was a talented artist and enjoyed various creative hobbies, such as baking, crafting, cross-stitching, charcoal drawing, and singing.
Kaye will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Audrey (Irvin) Foltz of Erie, IL, Arthur James (Wanda) Wilkins of Morrison, IL, Karl Dale (Diane) Wilkins of Broadhead, WI, and Lyle Edward (Deb) Wilkins of Hollister, MO; a legacy that continues through her 13 grandchildren; five God-grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Chris Smith of Geneseo, IL; sisters-in-law, Carol Zuidema of Argle, WI, and Joyce (Tichler) Wilkins.
Kaye was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Larry; sisters, Eleanor, Norma, Marian, and Arlie; brother, Jay Davis; sisters-in-law, Vivian Sikkema and Joyce (Bush) Wilkins; brothers-in-law, Phillip and Gordon “Butch” Wilkins.
Her Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Michael Bell, Pastor of Journey Church, Clinton, IA.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL.
A memorial to Allure of Prophetstown has been established.
Kaye’s memory will remain in our hearts, and her legacy of faith and creativity will continue to inspire us.