Kathleen V. Fillmore, age 74 of Watervliet, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo due to complications from pneumonia.   She was born to the late Earl and Elizabeth Kean on April 16, 1942.

In 1961 she married Robert Bailey and had four daughters: Kim (Robert) Witzak, Roberta (John) Briney, Penelope Hug and Kris (Keith) Gervasi .  After Robert's death in 1979, she married Frank Fillmore  (who  proceeded her in death in 2000) and together they had a son: Michael (Becca) Fillmore.

Kathy spent her entire life in Watervliet with the exception of two years when she lived in Florida with her daughter, Roberta.  She was happiest at home spending time with her grandchildren and loved having family get-togethers.

She spent the past five months at Countryside Nursing Home in South Haven after suffering from health issues that made it impossible for her to take care of herself. She worked hard to get better hoping that she could go home and become independent again.

Kathy will be missed by her children, grandchildren: Amanda, Emily, Eric, Jennie, John, Katie, Lindsey, Joshua, Nick, Alexis, Jacob, Owen, Corey, and her two great-grandchildren:  Trent and Aaron. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law: Lola Kean and her beloved Kean nieces, nephew and their families.

She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and a nephew.  The family wishes to thank everyone who called and visited her at the nursing home during her last illness.   There will be a private graveside service for family and friends on Wednesday, August 3. Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting her family with arrangements. You are invited to leave a message for Kathleen's family at hutchinsfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.