Emily Mary Kilgus died Friday, April 17, 2026 in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 96. Emily was born, January 25, 1930, in Miles City, Montana to John and Cecilia Kline. She was raised and educated in Miles City, Great Falls, Roundup, and Forsyth, Montana. She worked in Montana before moving to Tacoma, Washington. While in Washington, she worked at Madigan Army Hospital at Fort Lewis, and at St. Thomas Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. Emily met and married her husband, John Edward Kilgus, in Washington in 1951.

John and Emily raised two children, Mark Kilgus and Denise Kilgus Maxwell. Supporting a full military career for her husband included raising her family in Germany, Japan, and multiple assignments at bases in the United States. During one of the assignments at Ft. Sill, -the couple purchased the family home in Lawton, Oklahoma, which became the permanent location for the family after her husband's retirement from the military.

Emily engaged in many hobbies and community organizations throughout her lifetime. While living in Japan, she was active in pattern and hat making, flower arranging, handmade dolls representing the Japanese culture and life events, and provided leadership within the Girl Scouts. Emily served as the Lawton Girl Scouts Neighborhood Treasurer for 13 years. She was a charter member of Comanche County United Cerebral Palsy Women's Committee and Ladies of the Helping Hands Group. For ten years, she worked and volunteered at the Robert E. Greiner School for Handicapped Children.

Emily volunteered her time tirelessly in many roles within different veteran groups throughout her life. The Comanche County Veterans' Council worked for several years to secure a VA Clinic at Fort Sill, and Emily contributed to this process. She served as the first president of the La Société De Femme Cabana 1138, as well as the treasurer, while being offered a lifetime membership in appreciation of her service. Emily was an active member of the local chapter of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary groups, and the Eight for Forty Salon 82, organizations which engaged women in contributions to the military veterans' community. The La Sill Optimist Club presented Emily with a lifetime membership in 1991. For 34 years, Emily was an active member of the OSU Extension group, Knowledge Seekers, and during this time entered many of her sewing and handmade items in the Comanche County Fairs. She was a self-taught accomplished seamstress and won numerous blue ribbons in the local fairs. Her work included sewing wedding dresses and gowns for other events.

After the passing of her husband, Emily joined the Society of Military Widows Chapter 6 and the national parent organization, NAUS. She was an active volunteer at the Military Welcome Center at the, Lawton Fort Sill Airport. Emily often said, "I never met an organization I didn't like to volunteer at".

Emily contributed her numerous talents to the world. She was a loving friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was loyal to family and friends and will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Emily is survived by her daughter, Dr. Denise Maxwell and husband David, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Cindy Kilgus, Oklahoma; Tiffany Maxwell Lin, John Lin, and Great-Grandsons: Makai, Arlo, Camden Lin, California; Heather Maxwell, Nevada; Brother, Melvin Rae, Washington; nieces and nephews, and many special friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Edward Kilgus, in April 2010, after 59 years of marriage, her son, Mark Kilgus, both parents, John and Cecelia Kline, and her older brother, Cliff Kline.

Memorial contributions would be deeply appreciated instead of flowers. Donations may be made to any of the organizations listed or the donor's choice.

A service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Donald Kirby officiating.

Private family burial will take place in Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin.