Kathy A. Leathers

1956 - 2026

Kathy A. Leathers
Born: April 16, 1956
Died: February 28, 2026
Kathy Leathers, 69, of Tampico, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Rock River Home & Hospice in Sterling, Illinois, surrounded by her loved ones, following a sudden illness.
Kathy was born on April 16, 1956, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Carl Lund Sr. and Louise Lund. On June 15, 1973, she married the love of her life, Jack Leathers, in Princeton, Illinois. Together, they shared nearly five decades of love and devotion and raised four wonderful children.
Following the birth of their first child in 1976, Kathy and Jack moved to Tampico, where she cherished raising her family in a small-town atmosphere and quickly embraced the community as her own. It would be hard to find anyone who didn't know Kathy. Over the years, she worked at several local businesses and organizations, including Hall's Grocery Store in the early 1980s, as secretary of Tampico Baptist Church, as a member of the Tampico School Board, at Tampico National Bank, at Dr. Shah's office, and most recently as the Village Clerk of Tampico, a position from which she happily retired. Most notably, Kathy devoted 40 years of dedicated service to the Tampico Ambulance Service. Her passion for helping others and her unwavering commitment to the community touched countless lives. Through her years of service, she gained many "extra kids" who lovingly referred to her as "Mama Kath."
Above all else, Kathy treasured her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known affectionately as Mom, Gramma, and Nonna, she proudly carried on the family tradition of Sunday night supper each week, welcoming her children and grandchildren with open arms. She always refused help, insisting that the joy of hearing their chatter and laughter was all she needed to make her heart full.
Kathy is survived by one son and three daughters: Michael (Rebecca) Leathers of Fulton, Illinois; Karrie (Matt) Wetzell of Tampico, Illinois; Jessica "Ica" (Mike) Spohn of Tampico, Illinois; and Kelsey Leathers (Thomas Yoder) of Bradley, Illinois. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Alec (Dani) Wetzell of Franklin Grove, Illinois; Aaron Wetzell of Tampico, Illinois; and Sophia, Nathaniel, and Elijah Leathers of Fulton, Illinois; one great-granddaughter, Faye Wetzell of Franklin Grove, Illinois; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Leathers; her parents, Carl Lund Sr. and Louise Lund; two brothers, Wayne Lund and Carl Lund Jr; three sisters, Sandy Anderson, Carol Headley, and Sharon Hand; and one nephew, Toby Anderson.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Garland Funeral Home in Tampico. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Tampico Memorial Cemetery.
In keeping with Kathy's lifelong dedication to her community, memorials may be made to the Tampico Ambulance Service.