Obituaries: Keeley

Posted on February 12, 2017

Oleta Keeley

Fairbury – Cleo “Oleta” Keeley, 85 of Fairbury, passed away at 3:35 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, 2017at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside inurnment will be held at 11 am, Saturday, Feb. 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 Aug. 29, 1931 in DeQueen, AR; the daughter of Alvis and Georgia (Emmerson) Scott. She married Thomas H. Keeley Sr. on Sept. 24, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Memphis, Tenn. 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, two 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.

Online condolences left for the family and a guest registry are available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

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