Katherine Dees

MAHOMET - Katherine (Connell) Jane Dees, 90, passed away Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Blue Funeral Home, located at 1704 North Court, Marion, with graveside services immediately following at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion. Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice at 4116 Fieldstone, Champaign, IL 61822 or to the donor's choice.

Katherine "Kack" was born Feb.15, 1934, to Alex and Ethel (Blue) Connell. She married Harold Dees on July 6, 1952. Survivors include daughters, Rhonda Artwick and Darla Dees; sons and daughters-in-law, James and Cathy Dees, Keith and Sue Dees, and Sam and Paula Dees; sister, Carolyn (Connell) Lemmon; sister and brother-in-law, Gary and Glenda (Connell) Kelton; 25 grandkids; 20 great-grandkids; four great-great-grandkids; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Dees; parents, Alex (Eck) and Ethel (Blue) Connell; sisters, Elizabeth Eibe; brother, Alex (Butch) Connell; brother-in-law, William (Bill) Lemmon; and sons, Harold L. Dees and Ronald E. Dees.

Katherine was a member of the United Missionary Baptist Church. Kack attended Marion schools where she was the lead drum majorette. She would perform at half-time sporting events and parades. She was the lead majorette in the parade that welcomed President Truman to Marion. As a majorette, she also won second place in the baton twirling talent show. Among other talents, her love for playing baseball with the guys in school gained her the nickname "Slugger".

After marriage, Harold and Katherine moved to Champaign, where they started a construction company. She did the accounting along with running the materials and equipment to job sites. The business, along with raising six kids, kept her more than busy for many years.

Later on in life, her love of her family was evident. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Mexican Train, and many other games along with jigsaw puzzles with her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She will be missed but forever loved. Heaven received a very special angel.