Lois Ann (Phillips) Kelley

Lois Ann Kelley, age 80, of New Salem, IL passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024. She was born March 29, 1944, in Pittsfield, IL to John and Lucille Kells Phillips. Lois married the love of her life, John Kelley on February 26, 1964, in Pittsfield and he preceded her in death July 13, 2021.

Lois was a 1963 graduate of Pittsfield High School and still met with her classmates for their monthly lunch club. Lois was a member of the Genealogy Club through Griggsville Skinner House and enjoyed sewing, reading and listening to old country music. Lois was a simple, no frills, hardworking woman who loved her family deeply. While John was still alive, they enjoyed watching westerns and drinking coffee together and she loved cooking for him. According to her grandchildren, she fried the ‘best’ bacon and made the ‘best’ blackberry pie ever! Lois was a proud mother and grandmother and losing two of her children was a great loss for her. She always attended her grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals and could always be found in the front row. Lois always hosted Christmas Eve with her family, and they looked forward to her wonderful cooking and spending time together. She was a selfless and kind lady who will be missed by all who knew her.

Lois is survived by son, John R. (Jamie) Kelley, Jr. of Griggsville, IL; grandchildren, Andy Pate of Williams, IA, Ryan Kelley of Quincy, IL and Jenna Kelley of Quincy, IL; son-in-law, Kevin Pate of Williams, IA; sisters, Mary Davis and Janice Herriman; sister-in-law, Rita Whitlock; special niece, Peggy Bartlett; several nieces and nephews also survive; along with her beloved cat, Ringo.

She was preceded in death by parents, John and Lucille Phillips; husband of 57 years, John Kelley, Sr.; son, Tim Kelley; daughter, Crystal Pate; brothers, James Phillips and Gene Phillips; and in-laws, Harley Whitlock, Norma Harmison, Mardell (David) Maynard and Mary (Carl) Bricke.

Services will be held privately, and cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials are suggested to be made to Gray Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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