LDS Woman Awarded Illinois’ 2014 Mother of the Year

American Mothers, Inc. has named Kathryn Roberts Holyoak as Illinois’ 2014 Mother of the Year. Holyoak is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and according to the Deseret News, she is one of 17 LDS mothers who won the award across the country. Holyoak says her faith is central to raising her children:

“I have definitely tried and continue to try to parent in a Christ-like way. For me, Church and family are everything. That’s what matters most.”

Holyoak is a part of the Naperville 2nd Ward in the Joliet Illinois Stake. She says that for many years she was called to serve in Primary and that is where she honed her mothering skills. She was then able to better raise her own children. She told the Deseret News that raising her own children is the best thing in her life.

“My own children have taught me so much and have refined me in many areas. I was with my children when they were in Primary and I wanted my children to have that firm foundation of gospel truths and a pattern of living it. While children, they grew their testimonies from my light and testimony, but now they have their own light and own testimony. That is my greatest joy.”

According to American Mother’s list, 27 Mother’s of the Year have been named thus far including one representing Puerto Rico and one for Washington D.C.