Kathryn Bilyeu

Kathryn "Katie" Ann Bilyeu, 50, of Taos, Missouri, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2010, at St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City, after a long battle with cancer. She was born January 19, 1960, in Jefferson City, Missouri, a daughter of Jerry P. and Carolyn Grace (Dooley) Lootens. She was a 1978 graduate of Blair Oaks High School in Wardsville, Missouri. On April 2, 1993, she was united in marriage at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, Missouri, to John P. Bilyeu, who survives at their home. Katie was bookkeeper and co-owner of John Bilyeu Plumbing Company. She was also employed with Memorial Community Hospital for 17 years. She then began her career as director of the After Care Program at St. Francis Xavier School and for the last several years the physical education teacher. While there, her love of children became evident to all as she was not only a teacher but a second mother to so many. She was a collector of snowmen, handmade quilts, angels, and friends. She was known as the "Flower Lady" by her beloved brother-in-law Dean, "Nana" by her grandchildren Tristan and Chloe, the "Remote Queen", "Katie Lady", and "Miss Katie" by those who loved her so much. She was a Longaberger Basket Sales Consultant, where she is locally known as the "Basket Lady" by her peers. Katie was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where she served as a Communion Minister during school Masses. She was instrumental in starting the Taos Community Club Fun League. Katie enjoyed planting and growing flowers. She loved being involved in her children and grandchildren's activities. She is survived by four children: Michelle Kallenbach-Heislen (husband Chad) of Taos, Michael Kallenbach of Jefferson City, Shannon Bilyeu of the home, and Mason Bilyeu of the home; her parents: Jerry and Carolyn Lootens of Taos; two brothers: Kurt Lootens of Jefferson City and Kraig Lootens (wife Jony) of Taos; two sisters: Karla Mantle (husband Dean) of Taos and Kristy Rackers (husband Terry) of Taos; one sister-in-law: Tama Bratton (husband Bill) of Holts Summit; maternal grandfather: Dan Jones of Lake of the Ozarks; two grandchildren: Tristan and Chloe Heislen; six nieces and nephews: Tara Mantle, Ashley Prenger, Ciera Bratton, Jordan Mantle, Jay Quehl, and Skyler Lootens; and a special family friend: Darren Lammers. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents: Carl and Bernice Lootens; maternal grandparents: Elroy Dooley and Margie Dooley-Jones; and her cherished Beagle: Mikey, who once again can be held in her arms. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., today, Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m., with Fr. Wayne Boyer officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Bilyeu Children's Educational Fund or to the St. Francis Xavier School. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, 636-3838.