Kathleen "Joy" Lilyhorn

A Graveside Service for Kathleen "Joy" Lilyhorn will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Nora Mendyk officiating.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed.  The Lilyhorn family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Joy's services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.

Kathleen Joy Lilyhorn, 89 years of age, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Holdrege, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Country House Residence in Lincoln.  Joy was born on January 10, 1932, in Loomis, Nebraska, the older of two children born to Earl and Dorothy (Johnston) Carlson. Growing up she was the proverbial big sister to her little brother, Dean.  She first lived on a farm by Loomis.  The family later moved into Loomis and then to Holdrege where she graduated from high school and resided for 70+ years.

Although her first name was Kathleen, she was Joy to all her family and friends.  She was united in marriage to Jay Morris Lilyhorn on September 27 ^th , 1952. They welcomed two children to their family, Jeff and Jane. She enjoyed keeping the books for Jay's Land Leveling business while raising her family. In 1966 she partnered with her mother, Dorothy, and purchased Anderson's Women's Wear. They sold it after 9 years in 1975 and Joy returned to work at First National Bank of Holdrege where she had previously worked after high school. She wore many hats at the bank and was even a travel agent at one point.

She and Jay attended all their children and grandchildren's sporting events, dance and piano recitals. They enjoyed Nebraska sports, especially football, and loyally traveled to Lincoln for years to cheer on the Huskers on Saturday gamedays. She loved to listen to any baseball game. She did needlework, sewed ballet costumes, and often made matching clothes for her grandchildren. She loved floral arranging and playing with her scrabble group. She enjoyed going to antique stores and finding items for the many collections she and Jay shared. She proudly displayed her personal collection of "Joys" at Christmastime. She entertained visiting relatives from as far away as Sweden and honored many Swedish traditions and foods.  She and Jay enjoyed yearly trips to Reno, NV to visit family and try their hand at gambling. She was a caregiver for her mother for many years and together they solved every word Jumble and crossword puzzle printed in the paper.  Gatherings at Christmas and summers at Johnson Lake were never a dull time. Countless card games were played, delicious food was consumed, boat rides, pranks, fireworks, fishing, swapping of books, laughs and memories were made. It truly was the best of times. She was family first and foremost. She loved being a Grandma and cherished all the time spent with her grandkids and great grandkids.

She was a member of the First United Methodist church and volunteered on many committees. She worked on many class reunions and for many years was in charge of keeping track of her classmates.  She always was willing to lend a hand where needed.

The family would like to thank the special caregivers at Country House and Tabitha who so lovingly looked after her. You all have hearts of gold.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Jay Lilyhorn; parents Earl and Dorothy Carlson; in-laws Harlan and Mary Lilyhorn; brother-in-laws:  Harlan Lilyhorn; Jack Lilyhorn; and Doug Lilyhorn; and sister-in-laws:  Hazel Lilyhorn; Hazel Lilyhorn; and Joan Lilyhorn.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Jeff Lilyhorn and his wife, Nancy of Reno, Nevada; daughter, Jane Epley and her husband, Boyd of Lincoln; Grandchildren:  JR Epley; Dr. Jenna Beideck and her husband, Chase; and Stefan Lilyhorn and his fiancé, Kylie Even; Great grandsons:  Cash, Colt, and Crew Beideck; Brother, E. Dean Carlson and his wife, Carolyn; sister-in-law, Mary Louise Lilyhorn; and several special nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews, dear relatives and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.  Face coverings will be required.

A memorial has been established in Joy's honor and kindly suggested to the First United Methodist Church of Holdrege, the Chapel at the Lake in Elwood NE, or the Nebraska Prairie Museum in Holdrege.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.