Kathleen B. Wales, aged 96, of Elkmont, passed away on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, at Athens Limestone Hospital. Mrs. Wales was born on September 7th, 1928, in Limestone County, Alabama, to parents Mike C. Brooks and Pauline Christopher Brooks.
Mrs. Wales is survived by her daughter Susan Gilbert and her husband Phil; her son Bill Wales and his wife Susan; and cherished grandchildren Allison Ruf (David), Alan Gilbert (Bethany), Ben Wales (Kristin), Tom Wales (Courtney), and Sam Wales. Her legacy continues through her beloved great-grandchildren Ashlyn Newby (Hunter), Avery Ruf, Molly Gilbert, Alyssa Gilbert, Henry Wales, and Charlie Wales. She is also survived by her sisters Marjorie Pepper and Betty Bullington, and brothers Harold Brooks (Linda) and Joe Brooks (Donna), along with numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin L. Wales, her son John Wales, her parents, and siblings Billy Brooks, Nathan Brooks, M.C. Brooks, Ruth Lawson, and Doris Brooks.
Funeral services for Mrs. Wales will be held on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Robert Fudge. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Athens City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Alan Gilbert, David Ruf, Hunter Newby, David Hargrove, Ben Wales, and Sam Wales, with Jimmy Wales as an honorary pallbearer.
Mrs. Wales was known for her compassionate heart and dedication to helping others. She volunteered her time as a Red Cross worker and contributed to the community through her work at the Birdie Thornton Center and the Wallace Center. She was an active member of the church of Christ, where she shared her faith and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mrs. Wales’s memory to the Birdie Thornton Center, an organization close to her heart.
Kathleen B. Wales will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
