Katherine L. “Kitchie” Clemens, 81, of Valparaiso, IN formerly of Kewanee, IL passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
She was born on December 11, 1944, to Harold Ray Stickles and Margaret Louisa (Price) Stickles. She graduated from Rockford East High School and later from Augustana College in 1967 with a degree in Elementary Education. Kathy also acquired her Master’s in Education with an emphasis on Reading from Western Illinois University in 1983.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Scott, whom she married on August 29, 1970.
She taught 5th grade at Carbon Cliff, IL for three years (where she met Scott). She then moved to Des Moines, IA in 1970 so Scott could attend Drake Law School. She taught 5th grade for another three years. In 1973, they moved to Kewanee, IL so Scott could join in practice with a local attorney. She taught 5th & 6th grade at Kewanee until 1979 when her son was born. Kathy returned to teaching in 1985, wrangling Kindergarteners at Central School in Kewanee until she retired in 2008 - an educator for three decades!
Known as “Mimi” to her grandsons, her greatest joy was reading books to them and attending their events. Whether it was watching t-ball games or attending Grandparent’s Day at school - she wanted to be there. Her favorite pastimes were crafting, cross stitching, painting, Bible studies, and “kibitzing” with her dear friend, Mary Ann Krebs. She was a member of First Congregational Church in Kewanee, IL (where she was the Moderator) and later Liberty Bible Church in Chesterton, IN. In 2018, she and Scott moved to Valparaiso, IN to be closer to family.
Survivors include her cherished son, Matthew, daughter-in-law, Allison, grandsons: Paxton and Archer - all from Valparaiso, IN; sister: Linda MacRoy of Rockford, IL; and all her nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 31st from 1 - 3 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with memorial service beginning at 3:00 pm, Pastor Mitch Tabla officiating with burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Click here to watch the recorded Funeral Service. Memorial donations may be made to the Kewanee Schools Foundation, 1001 N. Main St., Kewanee, IL 61443.
GUESTBOOK
She was a lovely woman of faith. We forged our friendship through Liberty church in the Precepts . We enjoyed lunches and occasional drives to see natures views. I will cherish my memories of her. -Barbara Ault
Kathy was a gem of a lady. She loved the Lord and she was an avid student of the Bible. John and I loved getting to know her and being in the Pines Village Bible study with her. She was a real asset to the group; asking good questions as well as giving good answers. We pray for God's comfort and peace for all of you as you look forward to seeing her again. -Carol Key
