Katherine Nancy Gregorius Lilly died on Saturday, June 27, in Lewisville, Texas. She was 64 years old, after a battle with liver cancer. Kathy grew up in Columbus NE one of five sisters to third generation Columbus residents James F. Gregorius and Patricia Herrod Gregorius .Katie, as she was called, attended Saint Bonaventure School in her home town of Nebraska. She graduated from North Texas University in Denton, Texas.

She lived in Oak Point, Texas with her husband and five of six children whom she home schooled. Her collection of books numbered in the hundreds, for her own eclectic tastes as well as teaching aids for her children. She was absolutely devoted to her children and their education, using their rural setting as a classroom for education and xploration. She relished this job as educator and her children thrived under her program. Her Catholic Faith was at the core of her life and the values and education of her family. She taught and cared for her family and farm ranch with great passion. Music was always a part of her school lessons. She encouraged her family to be lifelong learners. There were educational activities going on in her family's circle and her association of home schooling professionals.

The family enjoyed horseback riding, farming, and large Christmases with her Nebraska families. She loved animals of all kinds especially her chickens. Her family was one of great fun and raising her children was her greatest art and what she loved most in life. As an artist she created museum quality bead works, a craft she shared with her daughter, Nikki. She was a devout Catholic and loved her faith with all her heart. She and her children were devoted to the Blessed Virgin.

Katie is survived by her husband Tom Lilly; and her children, Elizabeth Manning and husband John, Jamie O'Flaherty and husband Daniel, Marshall Lilly, Rachel Phillip and husband Dominique, Nikki Pat Lilly, and Bridgette Lilly; and her sisters, Peg Gaver, Jane Gregorius, Mary Neater, and Michele Beard. She had eleven grandchildren, Cameron and Joshua, Shannon, Moira, Hugh, Colleen, Patrick, Clare, Ina, Kathleen and Thomas.

Services will be held at DeBerry Funeral Directors. The Rosary will be said at 6pm, July 2nd, with visitation following until 8pm. Requiem Mass in the chapel DeBerry Funeral Directors at 10am July 3rd, with burial at Roselawn Memorial Park immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, she would like Masses said on her behalf. Any donation for Masses will be fine or you can make out donations for Masses to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary in Boston, Kentucky.