Fay Tilly

Fay Anna Tilly, a beloved member of the Higginsville, Missouri, community, peacefully met her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the age of 99. She passed away at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, Missouri, surrounded by love and family. Born on Saturday, June 6, 1925, in Napoleon, Missouri, Fay was one of five daughters of Julius and Emma (Wildschuetz) Laumeier. She graduated from Wellington High School in 1943, embarking on a life filled with love and devotion when she married Alvin Tilly on December 12, 1946. Together, they shared 70 years of marriage until Alvin's passing on August 9, 2016. As a dedicated farmer's wife, Fay found joy and purpose in nurturing her family and tending to her home. A gifted gardener, she took pride in cultivating beautiful flower beds. Her artistry extended beyond the garden—she was an accomplished quilter, creating countless baby and full-sized quilts for her loved ones. Fay also cherished her time with the Salem United Church of Christ quilting guild, sharing laughter and camaraderie with dear friends. In her later years, she embraced painting, proving to be a talented artist in both oil on canvas and watercolors. Fay lived an extraordinary life, just 57 days shy of celebrating her 100th birthday. Her strength, warmth, and matriarchal guidance leave an indelible legacy. She is survived by her two sons, Ronald (Margaret) Tilly of Belton, MO, and Darrell (Patti) Tilly of Higginsville, MO; five grandchildren, Shaun (Katie) Tilly, Kyle (Janine) Tilly, Heather Robertson, Heidi (Brandon) Peoples, and Anthony (Barb) Bird; seven great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and three great-great-great-grandchildren. Fay was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; her parents, Julius and Emma; her four sisters, Fern Braksick (Fay's twin), Alice Soendker, Viola Niendick, and Ruth Dieckmann; and one great-great-great-grandchild. A celebration of Fay's remarkable life will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Salem United Church of Christ, 1500 N. Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Fay will be laid to rest at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Wellington, MO. Casket bearers include Anthony Bird, Alvin Niendick, Darwin Niendick, Vincent Niendick, Ron Scott, Shaun Tilly, Kyle Tilly, and David Twente. Honorary casket bearers will be Heidi Peoples and Heather Robertson. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Salem United Church of Christ, reflecting Fay’s devotion to her faith and community.

Fay Tilly

June 6, 1925 - April 10, 2025