Kay Francis McCloud, 84, passed away on March 17 at 11:00 pm, surrounded by family.

Kay was born on December 7, 1941, to Edith and Arthur Stickley. After being set up by their grandmas, Kay married Franklin McCloud on August 21, 1958. She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, her parents, brother Richard, and her best friend and longtime roommate, Linda.

She and Frank had five children: Lisa (Lenny) Williams, Cathy (Matt) Algas, Cindy (Larry) Hunt, Frank "Chopper" (Angie) McCloud, and Amy (Jason) Parr. They spent 42 years in their family home in Peoria before moving to Tremont in 2006. Kay leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with another on the way. She overcame a lot in her life, and her family was her most prized possession.Kay was a woman who knew what she liked. And don't worry, she'd be sure you knew too. A lover of coffee, crossword puzzles, a scalding bowl of soup, Jeopardy, going out to lunch, and a good game of poker. As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fanatic, the 2016 World Series was a lifetime milestone. Her love of the Cubbies went almost as deep as the joy she got from the rivalry with her Cardinals-fan son.She passed on to her family a true passion for food, one of which we are happy to carry on. She leaves many family favorite meals and zero recipes.

Kay never met a stranger and has befriended nearly every person that waited on her for the last 40 years. Just ask the bank teller, butcher, or her favorite server from Cheddar's in 1998.

Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services per Kay's wishes. Her family will celebrate with a loud and chaotic family meal she would have loved. If you'd like to honor Kay, go to lunch with a friend or take in a Cubbie game this season. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home so others may end life with the same peace and dignity.

Go Cubs Go!