Mary Kathleen Knutson

Mary Kathleen Knutson, 88, of Metamora, IL passed away at 5:45 am on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at her residence. She was born on March 27, 1927 in Peoria, IL to William H. and Ruth (Davis) Rice. She married Ozmund L. "Bud" Knutson on February 4, 1951 in Peoria, IL. He died on April 8, 1995. Surviving are her children William Knutson of Metamora, Brian (Margaret) Knutson of Bloomington, Christine (Curt) Franson of Barrington, IL, and Jennifer (Chad) Nichols of DeKalb, IL; and five grandchildren Robert (Leyla) Wheelhouse, Patrick Knutson, Molly Knutson, Kelsey Nichols, and Lindsey Nichols. She is the great-grandmother of Ariel and Bobby Wheelhouse. Kathy graduated from Woodruff High School in 1941. She attended St. Francis School of Nursing, graduating in 1945. She spent several years working as a registered nurse at Methodist Hospital and later worked as a visiting nurse in the Peoria area. Kathy was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Those who knew her appreciated her keen sense of humor and humble, kind nature. She loved sitting with her cats and watching westerns. She enjoyed spending time with her family, always maintaining that "her children were her life". She died peacefully at home surrounded by her children after a brief but courageous bout with cancer. She was a member of Metamora Christian Union Church. Her family would like to thank the staff at UnityPoint Hospice Peoria, especially Peg and Dawn, for the excellent care she received. A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at Metamora Christian Union Church with Pastor Gary Salm officiating. Burial of ashes will be held in Oakwood Cemetery, Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to UnityPoint Hospice Peoria or Woodford Humane Society. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.