Sereatha A. “Ree” Kelso, 89, of Abingdon, died at 10:11 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026, at home surrounded by family.
She was born December 4, 1936, in Bedford County, Virginia. She was raised by her mother and step-father, Viola and Floyd Lewis. She married Dean Presley in 1955, in Missouri. She later married Roger L. “Rog” Kelso on July 3, 1966, in Maquon. He preceded her in death on February 3, 2018, after nearly 52 years of marriage.
She is survived by her children, Joe Willie (Lisa) Presley of Fishers, Indiana, Terra (Bill) Harlan of Galesburg, Tony (Kathy) Presley of Galesburg, Tim (Dawn) Presley of Abingdon, Teresa Presley Wheatley of Abingdon, Terri Kelso of Abingdon, and Willie Kelso of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Star, Tony, Becky, Dana (Cory) , and Timmy; several great grandchildren, who were her pride and joy; a sister, Bettie Taylor of Galesburg; and in-laws, Wilbur Dean Kelso of Maquon and Connie Kelso of Knoxville. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Faye Adcox; and brothers-in-law, Carl Taylor and Kenny Adcox.
After raising her family, Ree returned to school and earned her LPN degree from Carl Sandburg College in 1991. She worked for several area nursing homes, including Roseville Nursing Home, Abingdon Care Center, Knox County Nursing Home, Galesburg Terrace and Allure. She worked tirelessly until she was 85, retiring because she could no longer read the computer screen. When not working, Ree enjoyed sewing, baking, reading, and home decorating. Ree was known to be a spiritual person. She attended the Apostolic Tabernacle in Galesburg.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at New Life Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Darrell Grimm officiating. Cremation will be accorded after the funeral with burial for Ree and Rog later in Trenton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund in her name. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
