Kathleen L. "Kathi Paris" Lehman

Beloved mother and Nana, Kathi Lehman, 66, of Eureka passed away Sunday, Jan 8 at the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Care and Discovery in Chicago from complications during a liver transplant

She was born Aug 18, 1956, in Peoria to Orval and Shirley (Hewitt) Paris

Surviving are son Bryan Lehman of Streator; daughters Melissa (Matt) Cool of Eureka, Megan (Phil) Lee of Chicago, and Andrea (Jay) Miller of Metamora; sisters Nancy (Bob) Dunaway of East Peoria, Lori (Pat) Keefauver of Tremont, Marcia (Mike) Horton of Washington; brother-in-law Dale Shaver of Washington; several nieces and nephews; and former spouse Tom Lehman of Eureka.

Also surviving are grandchildren Mayson, Kaydence, Clayton and Emery Lehman; Maxximus Cool; Xander and Maizey Lee; Kinsley Miller; and great-grandson Grayson Lehman, who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joni Shaver and nephew Seth Rhoades.

Kathi graduated from Eureka College with teaching degree.  She spent her life nurturing children, many of them considering her their second mom.  Her last 22 years she was dedicated to caring for her grandchildren and great-grandson.  Kathi had a lovely singing voice and performed as a soloist and in ensembles, most recently with a local bluegrass gospel group.  She was a talented seamstress with a passion for embroidery and sewing and taught classes at local quilt shops.  She will be remembered for her great compassion for all, as she never knew a stranger.

Per her wishes, cremation will be accorded.  Argo-Ruestman-Harris funeral home in Eureka is assisting the family with arrangements.  A celebration of life open house will be held from 10am to noon Saturday Jan 14 at Eureka United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 208 N Callender St. with a memorial tribute given by her nephew Britain Dunaway at noon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help with expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.argoruestmanharris.com