A loss in the family ... Oleta Keeley

​Cleo “Oleta” Keeley, 85 of Fairbury, passed away at 3:35 am, Friday, February 10, 2017at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside inurnment will be held at 11 am, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Strawn Cemetery, Strawn. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Oleta was born August 29, 1931 in DeQueen, AR; the daughter of Alvis and Georgia (Emmerson) Scott. She married Thomas H. Keeley Sr. on September 24, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Memphis, TN. Her husband Tom survives in Fairbury.

Also surviving are two children, Tim (Deb) Keeley of Gibson City; and Barb (Roger Embry) Cook of Fairbury; eight grandchildren, Stacey (Brandon) Heldebrandt, Jason Clearwater, Shawn (Joanie) Clearwater, Justin (Maggie) Ziller, Scott Thomas (Brittany) Ziller, Katie (Scott Travis) Ziller, Anna Keeley, Leah (Justin) Quintana and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters and one son, Thomas Keeley Jr.

Cleo “Oleta” Keeley was the epitome of a southern bell. Sweet, sassy, loyal, and constant. You could always count on a kind word and a positive attitude. Her love of her family was obvious to any stranger. Her genuine love and smile will be missed by many, and the memories that her family and friends shared with her will continue to live on in our hearts forever. Fly high Cleo, we take comfort in knowing we have a beautiful angel watching over us.

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