KILGORE, Sally Ross

Sally Ross Kilgore, age 74, of Austin, Texas, died on November 3, 2007. Sally was born in Luling, Texas on June 13, 1933, the second of four daughters, to Clay Nichols, Jr., M.D. and Jean Ross Nichols. Sally attended Luling public schools, graduating in May of 1950. She received her BA in Home Economics-Teacher Education from the University of Texas at Austin in May of 1954. While a student at U.T. Sally was a member of The Texas Stars, a Majorette with the Longhorn band her sophomore and junior years, an advisor at the Andrews Dorm, a member of the Campus League of Women Voters, a Sweetheart finalist, a member of Caps and Gowns, Co-Ed Assembly, and a member of the Home Economics Club. She was also a member of the ALPHA DELTA PI sorority serving as President in the spring and fall semesters of 1953. After graduation Sally was employed as a Home Economist with United Gas in Houston, Texas from 1954 through 1959. In 1959 she married “Gene” Kilgore. They moved to Wichita, Kansas where she went to work with Kansas Gas and Electric. In 1960 she and Gene moved to Kansas City, Missouri. In 1961 their first child, Clay, was born. This was the beginning of Sally’s career as a mother and homemaker. Sally’s family, home, church and pets were her main interests. She was a member of Riverbend Church, an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. She and Gene took the children on a number of trips in the U.S. as well as to foreign destinations. When the children were grown she and Gene traveled frequently; mention a trip and she was ready to go. She is survived by her husband, Elmer E. “Gene” Kilgore of Austin, TX; son, Clay C. Kilgore of Fairfax, VA; son, Brian D. Kilgore and his wife Stephanie Mulqueen, their daughter, Juliette and their son Jason of Palo Alto, CA; daughter, Leslie Jean Kilgore, her husband Jonathan Leblang and their sons, Alex and Zach of Menlo Park, CA; daughter, Susan Ross Blakeney and her husband David Blakeney of Richmond, VA; sisters, Nancy Spence of Houston, TX, Ann Thomas and her husband Ray Thomas of Austin, TX, and Gail Nichols of Austin, TX. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great- nieces on both sides of the family. Sally was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, William Spence of Houston, TX. The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful staff at Buckner Villas and Odyssey Hospice for the loving care they gave to Sally during her final days. Sally will be missed dearly by her family and friends. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Remembrance Gardens of Riverbend Church in Austin. Interment will be held at Lawrence Chapel Cemetery in Williamson County, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association-Capital Texas Chapter, 3429 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-1626; Odyssey Hospice, 4201 W. Parmer, Bldg C, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78727; Buckner Villas, 11110 Tom Adams Dr., Austin, Texas 78753 or to a charity of your choice.