Tillie Kilby

Tillie Kilby, 90, of Great Falls, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at her home at Highgate Assisted Living following a brief illness.She was born in Eagle Butte, South Dakota on September 19, 1927, the eighth child of Joseph and Katherina Schatz. Tillies early years were spent on the farm south of Eagle Butte and later moved to town where Tillie attended school. Following her high school graduation she attended Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota pursuing a Nursing degree. Tillies nursing career began in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1949.While in Rapid City, Tillie met William Bill Kilby, a young engineering student who had recently completed his service in the Air Force. The two were married on August 19, 1952 in Rapid City. The following year, their family grew with the birth of their daughter Kay. Together they worked and built a new home and enjoyed their life in Rapid City.In 1956, career opportunities brought the Kilbys to Great Falls, Montana where Tillie continued her nursing career on a limited basis, her primary work was maintaining her home and insuring Kay was provided opportunities to grow. Tillie (and Bill) developed many life-long friendships within their neighborhood on the east end of Great Falls which have lasted for 60+ years.Once Kay graduated High School in 1971, Tillie returned to the nursing workforce full time as a Surgical Nurse at the Montana Deaconess Medical Center. Tillie completed 18 years with the Hospital and over this time developed many lasting friendships with medical staff. In later years, she delighted in meeting co-workers in a store or restaurant.Tillie had two primary hobbies, one shopping and the other cooking. She loved to travel and spend time in large city department stores, also a Saturday downtown or at the mall were regular pastimes. Tillie also thoroughly enjoyed holiday celebrations. Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were planned for weeks just to try something new. Her cookbook collection was clearly marked with dishes to try, and she readily shared her cooking experiences with those around, delighting in their reactions. Her table and household decorations were also a big part of each holiday.Tillie lost her husband Bill in 1985, being the strong willed person she was, she continued to maintain her home in Great Falls supported by a vast numbers of friends and with her daughter and son-in-law nearby. It wasnt until April of 2017 where she elected to move from her 5th Ave North home to the Highgate Senior Living complex. While only there 6 months she managed to develop a number of close connections with residents and staff.Tillie is survived by her daughter, Kay (Dan) of Great Falls; her brother, Ben (Alice) of Des Plaines, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to her husband, Tillie was preceded in death by three brothers Michael, Andrew, Tony, and four sisters, Frances Marshall, Sister Gemma Schatz, Barbara Boner and Mary Knight.Vigil service will be at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2017 with a visitation one hour prior starting at 5:00 p.m. both at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1410 13th St. S. A funeral liturgy will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 201 44th St. S., followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.