Kathleen Jeanette (Ballantyne) Wilcoxson was born July 16, 1937, to Robert and Neva (Snethen) Ballantyne at Liberty Hall in Lamoni, Iowa. She passed away on February 15, 2024, at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa.
Kathleen attended the Downey one room school until she went to Eagleville High School and then to Graceland University where she graduated in 1957, with a degree in Secretarial Science. She was baptized in the RLDS Church. In 1961, she was united in marriage to Bill Wilcoxson, until his death in June of 1993.
Kathleen worked at the Lamoni Sale Barn from 1956-2014. Yes, 58 years! For three different owners, The Snethen Brothers, Cannon & Schwab, and the Gibsons. When she retired, she went to work at the Lamoni National Bank. After she really retired, she loved being on the farm. After Bill passed, she was determined to keep the farm running so she continued to work on it. One of her favorite things to do was watch the cattle graze from her front window. She also enjoyed many pets along the way – those naughty peacocks and cute dogs and kittens.
She acted as a mother and grandmother to many. In later years she loved having the Osborn Boys, Cotton (12), Coy (10), and Cole (5), visit almost daily. They spent many hours talking, watching TV and eating, there might have been ice cream bars and chocolate involved.
Many close friends heard her say, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!” She never forgot a birthday and always wanted you to know she was thinking of you.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Jean Colyer and Sara Ballantyne; and niece, Michelle (Colyer) Black.
Kathleen will be missed by many family and friends, especially, brothers, Mark & Deanna Ballantyne and Gary Ballantyne; brother- in-law, Ed Colyer; sister-in-law, Phyllis Werges; brother-in-law, Larry & Linda Wilcoxson; Bill’s daughters, Nancy & Jeff Stroberg, Sherry & Terry Lint, and Jackie Chase, and their families; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Informally adopted children and grandchildren, Gary & Sandy Osborn, their sons, Wesley, (deceased) and Chad & Haylie Osborn, Cotton, Coy and Cole. Close friends, Randy & Sandy Gibson and family also survive her. And many, many other friends that will remember her as a sweet and good person. As Kathleen requested, no services are planned. Arrangements were through the Slade – O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa. A Memorial Fund has been established. Donations may be mailed to Sandy Osborn, 26131 E. 110th Street, Eagleville, Missouri, 64442.