Obituary of Charlotte Ruth (Lewis) Kelley

Charlotte Ruth (Lewis) Kelley, 72, of Sherman, died at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. She was born September 30, 1950 in Hardin County, IL to Robert “Bob” and Frances Marion (Tompkins) Lewis. She married Michael Brian Kelley on May 23, 1969 (his 19th birthday) in Springfield, IL. He told her he would never forget their anniversary that way, and he never did.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Michael; their three children, Sean Brian Kelley (Lonnie Dickerson) of Crete, IL, Michael Ian Kelley (Elizabeth Sweet) and Heather Day Kelley, both of Springfield; brother, Lloyd Gordon Bright (Jean – her “Other Sister”) of Benton, Arkansas, many nieces and nephews and special friends, Terrill Eckles, Ronald Gregory and Gaylen Kluckman.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, James H. “Jim” Bright (Laura), John Robert “Johnny” Lewis and Stephan Weldon “Steve” Lewis; three sisters, Lawanda Mae Ferrell (Charles), Blanche Fern Shryock (Dennis) and Doris Gail Forrester (Franklin).
Charlotte was raised in the Hardin County area and attended elementary schools in Elizabethtown and Rosiclare, IL. She was a 1968 graduate of Rosiclare High School.
She worked as a private legal secretary for the law firm of Heckenkamp and Simhauser, PC, of Springfield, and office associate at the Comptroller’s office in Springfield, IL retiring in 2012 after 23 plus years, of State employment.
Family was most important to her, and she enjoyed traveling with her husband and family vacations throughout their married life. She loved reading, poetry and flower gardening.
Per her wishes cremation has been accorded.
Memorial Gathering: A memorial gathering for family and close friends will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Staab Funeral Home – Sherman. Per her request, dinner and a Celebration of her Life with family and friends will follow at Bella Milano in Springfield.
At the time of her husband, Michael’s death, they will be laid to rest together at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In her words, “Let your family and dear friends know how much you love them and what they mean to you. They are the most important things. Sunrises, sunsets, rain and thunder, really good poetry, hugs, and happiness for others. And be sure to make a lot of good memories for those you love.”

To purchase flowers and gifts locally, visit www.RosiclareFlowerBasket.net .