Della Pearl Kelly

Della P. "Pearl" Kelly, was a beloved grandmother, mother and wife during her 98 years of life. Pearl passed away at 6:29 PM Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Pekin Manor. Pearl was born on May 15, 1924 in Manito, IL to George and Lena (Fisher) Hilst. She was a lifelong Illinois native and lived most of her adult life in Pekin, IL. She married Gordon B. Kelly who passed away on October, 6, 1972. Also preceding in death are her parents, one son, Gordon W. Kelly, ten brothers and nine sisters. Surviving are: three grandchildren, Stacy (Ron) Albers of St. Louis, MO, Stephanie (Mike) Hollander of Larchmont, NY and Brian (Nicole) Kelly of Downers Grove, IL; six great grandchildren. Pearl was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pekin and was blessed to live a full and healthy life. She enjoyed discussing all aspects of the family farm from planting to harvesting. And she provided some of the best red tomatoes in the area from her very own back yard. She loved solving crossword puzzles, cheering on the Fighting Illini basketball team and was an avid Cubs fan who waited patiently for that World Series win. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin with Rev. James McClary officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM 2:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude. Funeral Service Sunday, April 23, 2023 2:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554 Visitation Sunday, April 23, 2023 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554