Rita Mae Kelso

Rita Mae Kelso, 84, a resident of Springfield for fifty-seven years, died at 9:33 a.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at St. John’s Hospital. Rita was born on January 2, 1923 in Amboy, the daughter of James and Kathryn Loan Dempsey. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She had been employed as a typist at Notary Association of Illinois Inc. Rita was a very loving and caring mother and grandmother who enjoyed her family. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Todd D. Leonard; one brother, James Dempsey and one sister, Kathryn Dempsey. Surviving is one son, Gregory S. Kelso of Springfield; four daughters: Kitty A. Leonard of Springfield, Kim (husband, Patrick W.) Kelso Leonard of Chatham, Kris P. Schnapp of Springfield and Kelly M. Lord of St. Louis; seven grandchildren: Troy Rubidoux, Greg Leonard, Kurt Leonard, Melissa Schnapp, Amy Schnapp, Brian Lord, and Griffin Lord; two step grandchildren: Patrick Leonard and Jennifer Lyons; six 1/2 great grandchildren: Christian Huddleston, Riley King, Jace King, Landon King, Brendan Charles and Victoria Charles; four step great grandchildren: Kate Lyons, Emma Lyons, Madeline Leonard and Elizabeth Leonard. The family welcomes friends to visit from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with the rosary at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Rev. Philip G. Kraft. Burial will follow in Chatham Memorial Cemetery, Chatham. The family of Rita Mae Kelso is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.