Kathleen, originally from West Virginia, lived in Illinois for 24 years. She has 6 
children, 9 grandchildren,and 1 great-grandson. She opened the Gillum House Bed & Breakfast in 1996. She has also served Shinnston as a Councilman in the past, now serving as City Clerk, Tourist Information Center, and on several Boards and Commissions, as well as belonging to several service clubs in the City. She is in the Shinnston Community Band, on the Board of the North Bend Rail-Trail Foundation, and BedPosts, a B & B Group in the UK.

Other than her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson, she is most proud of starting in 2010, the national program each November, B & Bs For Vets.