Janice Arlene Kelly

Janice Arlene Kelly, 89, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, formerly a longtime resident of Eureka, Illinois, died September 15, 2026. She had lived at Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City for the past three years.

Janice was born August 18, 1937, in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of Floyd and Eva (McMeekan) Gauley. She and James Kelly began dating in 1954 after attending their junior prom together. They married on August 21, 1959, in Rock Island and shared more than 67 years of marriage, raising three children together.

Janice worked for 21 years at Heartland Bank in Eureka before retiring. She especially enjoyed cooking for family, family gatherings, trips together, and time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many family gatherings included games, especially card games. Jan and Jim also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and were part of a card club for many years.

She was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, which led to a lifetime of friendly competition with Jim, a Cardinals fan. She also enjoyed country and gospel music, trips to the Grand Ole Opry, and artists such as Daniel O’Donnell and the Gaithers.

Janice is survived by her husband, James Kelly; her children, Dennis (Margaret) Kelly of Simi Valley, California, Cindy (Dan) McDonough of Peoria, Illinois, and Ron (Carol) Kelly of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Her 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren include Lindsay (Hondo) Cabral of Newbury Park, California, and their children, Austin and Audrey; Hayley (Matt) Bruton of San Diego, California, and their children, Delta and Millie; S. James (Elyse) Kelly of Ventura, California, and their children, Emerson and McKenna; Danny (Claire) McDonough of Peoria, Illinois; Kelly McDonough and Ben Hunnius of Hawaii; Bethany (Elijah) Corella of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and their child, Elia; Brayden (Stephanie) Kelly of Carlsbad, California, and their child, Jackson; Ben (Hannah) Kelly of Benbrook, Texas, and their children, Sawyer and Anderson; Clayton Kelly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Claryssa (Kelly) Clark Rochon of Marietta, Georgia.

She is also survived by her brother, Marlin, of Sherrard, Illinois, and her sister, Sharon, of Aledo, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter in law, Lori Kelly.

In accordance with Janice’s wishes, cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Brill Chapel at Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City.