Retha Kilgore, 75, of Greenville, passed away on September 28, 2023, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. A memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Monday, October 2, 2023, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Branson officiating.
Retha was born on October 10, 1947, in Greenville Texas to Herbert Freeman and Mary Lois Haney Freeman. Retha grew up in the Greenville area, and married Jimmy Kilgore on June 3, 1966. Retha retired from Raytheon after 30 years of service. Retha was a faithful member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, serving for fifty plus years, she enjoyed greeting people, Bible study classes, and always anticipated Monday nights with her groups.
Retha loved to travel, especially to the mountains. There are only a few states she and Jimmy have not been through. Her famous words were always; Where are we going, when are we leaving, and my bags are packed. Branson was among her most enjoyed spots as she could relive her love of Elvis.
The past several years were most often spent at home. From daily morning walks, to sitting in the swing on the lawn in the evening and watching the wildlife especially the deer that visited every evening. There were very few sunsets she let go unnoticed. There were many special memories made on her back porch with her family. She loved her family well. Her grandchildren loved to be on her lap as she would sing her song, ”I’ll beloving you always.”
Retha is survived by her husband Jimmy Kilgore, sons Jason Kilgore and wife Christina, Jeremy Kilgore and wife Debra, grandchildren Klinton Kilgore and wife Meghan, Emelie Rosenthal, Morgan Kilgore and Malorie Kilgore, great-grandchildren Clessy Rosenthal, Maybelle Rosenthal and the arrival of her great-granddaughter in January of 2024, brother Jimmy Freeman, sister in-law Sandra Freeman and numerous nieces and nephews.
Retha is preceded in death by her parents, brother Farrell Freeman and grandson Garrett Kilgore.
