Kathryn Margaret “Kay” Perry, 85, of Dallas City, Illinois, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at the Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.
Kay was born September 16, 1936 in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Frederick and Katherine (Kensett) Morrow. On November 17, 1956 she married Jack E. Perry in Keokuk.
She was a member of the Durham United Methodist Church.
Kay was born and raised in Keokuk IA. and a graduate of the Keokuk High School. She had many jobs in her life including raising her 5 children. In the early 70’s Kay managed the Italian Village Restaurant and was also actively involved in many community events in Dallas City including; Planned Progress, the annual Dallas City Tomato Festival, instrumental in establishing the new elementary grade school and was a former Cub Scout Den Mother to name just a few. Kay was also known as a great baker in the local area making her homemade sweet rolls. Later in life she found her true passion in antiques and collectibles and from this passion, she formed her business, Kays Antiques and Things. She set up in Antique malls throughout SE Iowa and was well known at the Mt. Pleasant Old Threshers and What Cheer Flea Market in What Cheer, IA. Among other things that Kay enjoyed were reading books, playing cards, solitaire, and all the preparations and activities associated with the Christmas holidays with her family. Kay and her husband Jack were frequent swimmers at the YMCA in Ft. Madison, IA and enjoyed spending time with all their friends having coffee afterwards. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include five children: Jim (Natalie) Perry of Effingham, Illinois, John (Teresa) Perry of Fort Madison, Iowa, Jenny Patten of St. Charles, Missouri, Jeff (Heidi) Perry of Spring Hill, Tennessee and Jason (Cheryl) Perry of Fort Madison; ten grandchildren: Renee (Jason) Kihne, Ashley (Mike) Janis, Jamie (Matt) Jones, Johnna (Danny) Boggess, Joshua Perry, Jarod (Karree) Patten, Julia (Luca) Patten, Rebekah Perry, Jake Perry and Jillian Perry and fourteen great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Gabe, Cory, Max, Owen, Maelynn, Maverick, Jenna Kay, Alyssa, Isabella, Madison, Samantha, Amelia and Lincoln. Also surviving is one brother: Vernon (Nancy) Morrow of Burlington, Iowa; one brother-in-law: Donald Arnold and three sister-in-laws: Janice Morrow, Judy Jahnke and Linda (Jerry) Skiles along with many nieces and nephews and her many care providers at the Heritage House and Hancock County Home Health Department in Carthage.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack; one sister: Carolee Arnold; one brother: James Morrow and one niece and nephew.
The funeral service for Mrs. Perry will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 30, 2022 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Rev. Jim Clayton officiating. Burial will follow in Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City.
The visitation with the family will be from noon until time of service Sunday at Banks & Beals in Dallas City.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to help local charities. Contributions may be made to the Kathryn Perry Memorial Fund. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Kay’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
