MUHLENBERG COUNTY, KY - Kathryn Louise (McCauley) Tomes, age 87, currently of Princeton, IL and formerly of Greenville, KY and Calumet City, IL, died Tuesday morning. May 3, 2011 at approximately 11 a.m., after a brief illness.

Most recently, Kathryn resided at Hawthorne Inn, where she had made her home near her middle daughter for approximately 6-years. For a brief time prior to moving to Princeton, she made her home near her son, in Louisville, KY.

Kathryn was born in Greenville, KY, on February 1, 1924. She was the 7th child of 11 children; one of seven girls and four boys, and the daughter of John William McCauley and Verda Waller (Hankins) McCauley.

Surviving Kathryn are: her son, David (Dayna) Tomes of Prospect, KY; and two daughters: Jean (Darrell) Zigler of Ladd, IL, and Pamela (Michael) Rumer of Vista, CA; eight grandchildren: Scott Tomes and Tammy Tomes-Scott of Louisville, Page Rumer of Long Beach, IN, Bridgette Rumer of San Diego, CA, Lindsey Rumer of Cardiff, CA, Matthew Rumer of Vista, CA, Jason (Carissa) Shipp of Brandon, WI, and Kathryn (Katie) Shipp of Ladd, IL who is currently attending Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL; four great-grandchildren: David , Cassie, Loren and Taylor Scott of Louisville; her youngest sister: Jimmie Knight of Greenville, KY; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathryn was preceded in death in 1987 by her husband Adrian S. Tomes of Greenville, KY; and her siblings: Gladys Dukes, Vashti Wells. Vernon Lucas, Joseph McCauley, Lois Dockins, Elizabeth Carver, John W. McCauley, David McCauley, and Ralph McCauley. The McCauley family was well known in the Greenville area, having grown up on their farm which was located on what is currently known as Kennedy-Brasher Road in Greenville.

Kathryn had a superior work ethic, and was an early pioneer among working women, often working full-time while raising her family. She retired from Animated Manufacturing in Dolton. IL in 1988, Her children greatly appreciate the good values and work ethic that she instilled in them.

Kathryn loved her family. She loved reminiscing about the past including telling stories about her siblings and her parents. Her children greatly enjoyed hearing what her life was like growing up, working, and raising children. They also mostly appreciated Kathryn's spunk. "When Kathryn decided to do something, there was no keeping her down. She was one determined woman and one could not help but admire that about her.

Kathryn and her various family members enjoyed dining out, occasional shopping, and brief day trips. Two years ago, her youngest daughter and Kathryn drove to Kentucky to visit Kathryn's sister Jimmie in Greenville, as well as other extended family, and stopped by on the way home to see her son and his family in Louisville When living in Greenville, KY prior to her move to Illinois, Kathryn was a member of Greenville United Methodist Church, where she attended Sunday School While living at the Hawthorne Inn she enjoyed a variety of activities including: Bingo, bowling, having her nails polished her hair styled, and dining with her friends at the Inn. She also enjoyed regular home cooked meals at her middle daughter's home in Ladd, including: cornbread, cabbage, and pork chops. For many years she also regularly watched Larry King.

Funeral Friday May 6, 2001 at 1 PM at Gary's Funeral Home Greenville, Ky. with Brother Vernon Perdue officiating, following visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gary's Funeral Home 405 Hopkinsville St., Greenville, KY, 42345, 270-338-2440 are in charge of arrangements. Burial is in Pleasant Hill Cemetery Greenville, Ky.