Katie Lou Adams

Katie Lou Wilmon Adams passed from this world on April 17, 2012. She was born on March 6, 1917 in Forney, TX to Thomas and Eliza Jane Wilmon. She was the youngest of eight siblings.

She attended what is now Texas Women"s University and East Texas State University. In 1936, she married Waldo Dale Moody and in 1938, her only child, Linda Kay, was born. In 1940, a house fire took her husband and all her belongings. Widowed, with a young daughter, Katie Lou showed true grit. There being no daycare available, Linda Kay remained with her grandparents in Pecan Gap and Kate moved to Dallas. She worked as a Rosie the Riveter during the week and returned to her daughter on the weekends. It was a hard life for a young woman.

After eight long years, she was able to move with her daughter to Gladewater. She worked as the office manager for the local hospital, a "man"s job" in those days. These were happy years.

When her daughter graduated from high school, Kate moved to Snyder. She soon met and married Loyce Adams in 1959. Kate worked as the accountant for the Scurry County Health Unit while Loyce ran cattle on their ranch. In 1983, the moved to the Baptist Memorial Retirement Community in San Angelo. Widowed in 2000, Kate remained in San Angelo and passed away at her home.

That Kate was able to remain in her home due to the wonderful women who cared for her. Victoria Perez was with her for two years. Kate loved her very much. As her illness progressed, Norma Gonzales added her skills. She shared her family with Kate who loved her visits. The family wishes to express their thanks and their love and admiration for these two women. We also wish to thank the other hospice and care givers who were so loving and professional in their care.

Katie Lou was one of the last of the "Greatest Generation". She was straight as an arrow and strong as steel. She survived and thrived. Her life was guided and illuminated by her unwavering faith. She will be missed.

Kate is survived by her daughter, Linda Kay Gardner, her granddaughter Kathryn Lewis and her partner Jay Hamm, her grandson Jim Keith and his wife Chrystal. She is also survived by her great granddaughters Regent Ham and Jade Keath.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 10:00 a.m. at the Snyder Cemetery.