Shelly J. Kettle, 63, of Washington, Illinois, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born April 16, 1962 in Peoria, Illinois to James F. and Claudia A. (Taylor) Humphrey.  She married Claude "Earl" Kettle on April 3, 1996 in Peoria.  He preceded her in death on May 22, 2023.  She was also preceded in death by her father, James; son, Jason Kelch; and nephew, Cody Gilles.

Surviving are her mother, Claudia; three children, Casey (Brad) Melton, Kelli (Joel) Brinker, Ryan Kettle; five step-children, Ron Kettle, Melissa (Kris) Laster, Jennifer Kettle, Jamie Kettle, Jonathan (Korinne) Kettle;  eight grandchildren, Lorelei, Finley, Maeve, Sophia, Rosalie, Maverick, Hudson, Arya; eight step-grandchildren; four siblings, Cindy Chiavini, Mark (Terri) Humphrey, Sharon (Ron) Harkless, Mike Humphrey; and several nieces and nephews.

Shelly worked as a Registered Nurse for 15 years, spending most of her career at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.  She always knew just what to say to help everyone get through those long or difficult shifts, bringing joy and laughs to any situation.  Her coworkers will never forget how she had to get her steps in every night, taking laps around the floor or climbing flights of stairs to reach her goal for the day.  She could always be counted on to make her fellow nurses and patients smile.

She loved gardening and being outdoors.  When she wasn't tending to her flowers or walking her dog, she was probably snuggled up with a good book and her two cats.  She never turned down an invitation to go shopping, especially if coffee (an extra hot café mocha) and lunch were involved.

Shelly adored her grandchildren.  She was still a kid at heart herself and loved being silly with them.  She enjoyed listening to all their tales and sharing stories with them about when their parents were kids.  She will be dearly missed.

Per her wishes, cremation has been accorded.  A Celebration of Life Service will be at 3pm on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Visitation will be from 1 to 3pm prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.