Lillis May McWethy passed away Friday, June 9, 2017 at the age of 90. Born May 29, 1927 in Johannesburg, MI the daughter of Edgerton and Fanny (Wilkins) Briley, Lillis was the youngest of four siblings living on the family farm and attending school in Johannesburg, graduating from high school in 1945. Lillis then went on to attend secretarial school, while continuing to do her chores on the family farm.
In 1947, Lillis married the love of her life, Gilbert Anson McWethy (preceding her in death) and together they had three sons, Steven, Peter and Michael, all born in Kalamazoo. Lil and Gil were members of the First United Methodist Church for the past 66 years, where she volunteered her time and talents as a secretary, an expert in sewing banners and quilts and creating flower arrangements for the church. Since 1987, Lillis has been a member of the Ladies Library Association, where she served as President from 2004-2006.
Lillis loved to travel with Gilbert, as they visited many countries around the world and have made many lasting memories throughout their lives together. They also owned a cabin on Lake Matinenda in Ontario, Canada and loved having guests and family share memorable time together at the lake.
Lillis is survived by her children; Steven (Constance), Peter (Maureen) and Michael (Stephanie); grandchildren Jennifer Richardson, Andrew (Kelly) McWethy, Matthew (Angela) McWethy, Caitlin (Tobias) Bailey, Brett (Katie) McWethy and Nathan McWethy; great grandchildren Drake and Arianne Richardson, Chastity Steele, Jared, Emma, Megan, Adison, Liam and Greyson McWethy and Laila Bailey and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm at the KIVA center at Friendship Village of Kalamazoo, 1400 N. Drake Rd. Kalamazoo, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lillis’s name may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo or the Ladies Library Association.
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