The world is a little less bright today as we say goodbye to the heartbeat of our family, a beautifully  woven tapestry of love, strength and endless sacrifices.

Kathryn Lee Weiler Tillman left this world peacefully surrounded by her family on May 22, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born on September 8, 1944, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Robert and Dorothy Weiler. At the age of four, her family moved to Springfield, where they resided in the Brentwood neighborhood. She attended Elfindale Catholic School for girls through the 8th grade and then went on to graduate from St. Agnes High School in 1962.

As fate would have it, she crossed paths with John Tillman in 1960 at St. John’s Hospital, where she was working as a candy striper. John was visiting a friend in the hospital who happened to be a mutual friend of some of her friends. John will tell you that it was love at first sight. As he was walking out of the hospital with his friends,  he told them he would like to ask her out. At that same moment, one of her friends walked up to him with a note with her name and phone number on it. A short time later, they went on their first date. This was the first time either one of them had been on a date. They went and saw the movie, Where The Boys Are,  at the Fox Theatre in downtown Springfield. 

In May of 1962, John pulled over his 1958 two tone Ford Fairlane on a country road off of NN Highway near his parent’s home in Rogersville, Missouri.  He got out of the car, got on one knee and proposed.

 On June 29, 1963, they were married at Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Springfield, with a reception following at Hickory Hills Country Club. 

A little over 9 months later,  they welcomed their first son. Joseph Christopher, who was born on April 16, 1964. Six years later,  they welcomed their second son, Aaron Bartholomew, who was born on March 12, 1970. And to their complete surprise, 6 years later, they welcomed twins, Kevin Wesley and Amy Rene born on July 4, 1976.

Katie’s entire life was dedicated to her loving husband and her children. Along with John, she was involved with PTA, Boy Scouts, Blue Birds, Football Boosters and Band Boosters. 

Many of her children’s friends referred to her as “Ma Tillman.” John and Katie created a warm, and welcoming home that became the neighborhood gathering place. She was the mom that always had some type of snacks available, especially fresh baked cookies. She wanted to make sure her home was always a safe and fun place for everyone to hang out. Katie’s world was centered around her children, and she will live on through them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Dorothy Weiler. Her siblings, Jerry, Jim, and Carol Weiler. And two precious angel grandbabies.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, John Tillman; Her sons, Chris Tillman and wife Traci, Aaron Tillman and wife Anne, Kevin Tillman and fiancé Wendy, and her daughter Amy; and her beloved grandchildren, Drew and wife Kylie, Grant and wife Ann, Zach, Kahlen, Brody, Wyler, Nolan, Colby, and several nieces and nephews. 

We would like to thank the amazing staff at Glendale Gardens,  where Katie resided since October of 2022, along with the staff of St Croix Hospice. 

Visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m., Friday,  May 29, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E Seminole, in Springfield. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 4pm.