Mrs. Mary L. Kelley, 74, of Galesburg passed away peacefully at 12:25 am Monday, January 27, 2025, at Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
She was born on August 27, 1950, in Galesburg, the daughter of Raymond T. and Ruth (Welch) Woodside. She married the love of her life, Tellie Rodger Kelley, Sr. on July 12, 1969, in Galesburg, after 48 years of marriage he preceded her in death on June 28, 2017.
She is survived by her son, Tellie “Rodger” (Jennifer) Kelley II of Indianapolis, Indiana; her sister, Judy (Sherman) Kelley of Galesburg; seven grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob, Jermaine, Raven, Shawn, McKenzie and Daniel and three great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tellie, her daughter, Melissa McClaren on September 26, 2021, and her sister, Rosemary.
Mary graduated from Galesburg High School in 1968. She was raised in Galesburg but moved briefly to Burlington to attend Burlington Beauty School then moved back to Galesburg in 1970. Mary took pride in being a homemaker, caring for her husband and two children, Rodger and Melissa. Later on in life, Mary’s greatest joy was being a grandmother to her seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Mary enjoyed spending her time playing cards, mastering crossword puzzles, camping and finding a good bargain while attending yard sales. She was of the Lutheran faith but had attended the Full Gospel Church.
Her family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Marigold and OSF Hospice for their loving care. Their kindness will not go unnoticed. Thank you.
Visitation is scheduled for 9:00-11:00 am Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Mary will be laid to rest next to her husband, Tellie at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Knox and Warren County. Online condolence may be offered at ww.h-p-w.com.
