Katherine Jo “Kathy” Clarida, age 74, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully with her family near at 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at her home.

She was born on August 1, 1951, in Marion, IL the daughter of James Issac and Juanita Goldie (Goodwin) Thomas.

Kathy attended school in Marion, but during her high school years attended school in Sullivan, IN and was a graduate of Sullivan High School Class of 1969.

She was united in marriage to John James Clarida on June 1, 1973, in the Church of God in Johnston City, IL and together they have shared over 52 years of marriage.

Kathy had several jobs outside of her home but the majority of her lifetime she was proud being a homemaker managing her home and seeing to the needs of her family.

She was a member of the Marion Church of God.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting, crocheting, listening to gospel and country music and helping others, especially older persons sometimes cleaning their home. She was known as being a “Cut Up” and always enjoyed joking and laughing with others. Her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a very important part of her life and was always interested in hearing about all the many activities going on in their lives. She was often seen attending many of their events they were participating in. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her husband, John J. Clarida of Marion, IL; four children, John L. Clarida of Marion, IL, Connie Jo Holmes and husband, Kevin of Creal Springs, IL, James Clarida and wife, Pam of Marion, IL and Elizabeth A. Clarida of Herrin, IL; ten grandchildren, Jonathan R. Clarida of Marion, IL, Jessica M. Clarida of Marion, IL, Hadley Holmes of Creal Springs, IL, Kerrigan Norris and husband, Chris of Marion, IL, Hannah Buys and husband, Jacob of Albany, NY, Rebecca Clarida of Herrin, IL, Thomas Clarida of Herrin, IL, Rian Clarida of Freeman Spur, IL, Devan Woods and wife, Paola of Washington, DC and Anthony Woods and wife, Megan of Jacksonville, FL; eleven great grandchildren, Dutton James Norris, Avery Norris, Daphne Woods, Erik Woods, Mary Woods, Christopher Woods, Nevaeh Woods, Harley Woods, Amelia Woods, Brian Woods and Elliott Llewellyn; two sisters, Sherry LaBotte and husband, Eddie of Marion, IL and LeAnn Black of Marion, IL; brother, John Thomas and wife, Cindy of Goreville, IL; two sisters-in-law, Flora Reilly of Marion, IL and Cathy Strunk and husband, Randall of Crainville, IL, other extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Marlenia Kay Shepard; great grandson, Christopher Woods and nephew, Mark Baier.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.

The visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 with her brother, John Thomas presiding.

Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery of Marion, IL.

For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to “Shriner’s Hospital for Children.” Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.

For more information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.