Memorials may be directed to the Farragut United Methodist Church Prayer Shawl Ministry or the Fremont County 4-H Endowment Fund.

On September 4, 1949 Kathleen Elaine Hillman was born at the Hand Hospital in Shenandoah to Marvin and Doris (Pledger) Hillman.  When looking up the meaning of Kathy's given name, it means pure, bright shining light.  Her name was very fitting given her gentle nature and giving and loving spirit.  Kathy entered into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Friday, July 21, 2023 after a very strong and courageous battle with cancer.

Kathy's early life was spent on the family farm between Essex and Shenandoah.  Her family included her parents and older brother David.  Many days were spent tending to their animals and spending time with her Hillman cousins who lived just down the road.  She attended High Prairie country school until the fourth grade, then continued her education at Shenandoah Community Schools where she graduated with the Class of 1967.  Following graduation she attended the University of Northern Iowa where she graduated with her degree in Elementary Education.  During her time at UNI, she started dating Steven Gibson Lorimor from Farragut after Steve was invited by a friend who was visiting another girl there. The friend asked Steve if he knew anyone at UNI; the only name he knew was Kathy's.  It turned out pretty well.  The couple was united in marriage on August 7, 1971 and made their home on a farm outside of Farragut.  The couple was blessed with over 51 years of marriage.

Her journey as an educator began with Shenandoah Community Schools as a 4th grade teacher. She taught in Shenandoah until her first daughter was born.  Kathy then took 10 years off teaching to raise their two daughters Amanda and Jessica.  She returned to teaching with Essex Community Schools until her retirement in 2012.  While in Essex she taught in a combination room, 2nd grade, 6th grade and then back to 4th grade, where her career began.

Kathy was a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where she served as the choir director and also taught Sunday School.  She and Steve later became members of the Farragut United Methodist Church where she served as the Prayer Chain Coordinator and the Bereavement Committee Chairperson, was active in the prayer shawl ministry, started a card ministry, and frequently did the Scripture reading.  She was also a member of the P.E.O., the OK Club, and the Class of 1967 Alumni Group. She played cards with multiple bridge groups and was a great supporter of activities in the Farragut community.  Kathy was also very involved in 4-H activities, first as a club member, then as a leader, and later as a Youth Committee member.  Her love for 4-H continued as her grandchildren became involved with the organization.  She loved to assist with annual projects for the fair and the perfecting of cherry pie recipes.  Kathy received the Alumni Award and the Meritorious Award from the Fremont County 4-H Youth Committee.  Kathy loved sewing, gardening, baking and cooking.  She was a willing volunteer at the local food pantry and the Southern Loess Hills Welcome Center, among many others.  Above all of these hobbies, interests and activities, her greatest achievement was her family.  Grammy and Papa rarely missed an activity of their grandchildren. They loved to offer their encouragement and support.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Doris; brother David; in-laws Bert and Marie Lorimor; sister-in-law Becky Lorimor; and nephew Jason Hillman.  Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband Steve; loving daughters Amanda Moore and husband Trent and Jessica Carter and husband Ben; her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Colton and Malea Moore and Leanna Carter; aunt Evelyn Johnson; sister-in-law Genny Hillman; brother and sister-in-law Brent and Kathleen Lorimor; niece Melanie Malloy and family; nephew Brady Lorimor; her beloved 4 legged caretaker, Jake; numerous loving cousins; and a host of friends, who were like extended family.