Kay “Katy” Yvonne (Stephens) Fuson, age 79, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

      She was born in Annapolis on July 28, 1945, the daughter of Noble Raymond and Rose Ellen (Hall) Stephens.  On January 1, 1972, she married Dennis R. Fuson Sr. in Dietrich, and together they shared 53 blessed years of marriage.

      First and foremost, Katy was devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, sharing her faith at every opportunity so that others might find their path to heaven. She embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom for many years, caring for her husband and children with unwavering dedication. As her children grew older, she furthered her skills by becoming a certified food handler and worked to provide care for individuals with disabilities. She also served as a diligent housekeeper for local factories and families, always offering warmth and kindness through her work.

      At home, Katy found joy in taking care of her loved ones, creating delicious meals—especially her beloved dinner rolls—and nurturing a vibrant yard filled with beautiful flowers. Those who knew her recognized the depth of her love and commitment to her faith. Despite facing many losses throughout her life, she continually looked to God for strength and comfort. Katy was a hero and a sweetheart to countless people, and her generous spirit will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

      She is survived by her husband; 2 daughters: Julie (Roger) Young of Salem and Carolyn (David) Henson of Iuka; 7 grandchildren: Bridget (Tony) Heath of Vincennes, Indiana, Gage (Natalie) Harris of Olney, William (Paige) Harris of Flat Rock, Dustin (Kaylee) Barnick of Noble, Nathaniel (Mikayla) Reid of St. Louis, Missouri, Katelynn (David) Mitchell of Lucedale, Mississippi, and Kara (Taylor) Reid of Salem; 11 great-grandchildren: Andelin Heath, Nichlas Heath, Thomas Harris, Victoria Harris, Coraline Harris, Olivia Harris, Autumn Harris, James Mitchell, Travis Mitchell, Charlie Mitchell, and Nova Reid; brother: Donald Stephens of Charleston, South Carolina; 2 sisters: Mary Ann (Roger) Weidenbacher of Victoria, Texas, and Sue Snearley of Casey; 3 sisters-in-law: Joann Fuson of Flora Janet (Ervin) Closson of Flora, and Cecile Stephens of Anderson, South Carolina; 2 brothers-in-law: Bob (Vicki) Fuson of Tioga, North Dakota and David (Vickie) Fuson of Flora; and several nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

      She is preceded in passing by her parents; 3 sons: Ray Harris, Dennis R. Fuson Jr., and David Gregory; daughter: Suzanne Barnick; 3 brothers: Dale Stephens, Ben Stephens, and David Stephens; 2 sisters: Deanna Clark and Patsy Stephens: her paternal grandparents: Harrison and Tinsie Stephens; maternal grandparents: Isaac and Ida Hall; and an infant grandchild.

      A celebration of Katy’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Liberty Cemetery in Wakefield. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Salvation Army, and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com