Kara Belle Bilyeu

Kara Belle (Bayly) Bilyeu, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, age 93, passed away February 22, 2026, in the comfort of her home in Leesburg, Florida.

Kara was born January 5, 1933, in Curran, Illinois, the daughter of Richard and Alberta Hurshman Bayly.

Kara attended New Berlin High School in New Berlin, Illinois, where she enjoyed cheerleading, participating in the choir, and the school plays. Among her many talents, she enjoyed baking, cooking, playing golf, singing and music, being a hairdresser, and she was a creative and talented seamstress. Kara was an active member of her church and church choir at First United Methodist Church of Clermont.

She married John Raymond Bilyeu on December 29, 1950. Together they had three children: Mark, Erys, and Eric.

John preceded her in death April 8, 2015. She later met Jim Grissom, and they shared nine loving years together.

Survivors include one daughter, Erys Ellen Martin (Bill) of Bushnell, Florida; one son, Eric Richard Bilyeu (Pam) of Springfield, Illinois; one sister, Kathy Turner (Jim) of Winter Haven, Florida; and Jim Grissom of Leesburg, Florida.

Grandmother of 6: Travis Martin (Jenni), Mendy Martin (Merle), Angie Martin, Ian Bilyeu (Caitlin), Lara Bilyeu (Devyn), and Jeremy Bilyeu (Sarah).

Great-grandmother of 9: Lindsey (Colin), Kyle, Gabby, Dylan, Lily, Devyn, Nadia, Jacen, and Lexi.

Great-great-grandmother of Lennie.

In addition to her parents and husband John, she was preceded in death by one son, Mark Douglas Bilyeu (Carol); brother, Lawrence Bayly (Marie); sisters, Dorothy Short (Ed) and Norma Bretz (Bob).

Family and friends will certainly miss Kara’s charismatic spirit, her delicious pies, and her beautiful sewing projects.

Kara will be laid to rest in Bushnell National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida, alongside John R. Bilyeu at a later date with a private graveside service.

Memorials in honor of Kara Bilyeu can be made to Living Hope Church (formerly First United Methodist Church of Clermont), 950 7th Street, Clermont, Florida 34711.

Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation in Lady Lake, Florida, is in charge of arrangements.