Yoshiko Kelso

Born December 25, 1935 in Okinawa, Japan to Yoshihiko and Makato Yamada, she married Karl Kelso on May 23, 1972 in Naha City, Japan.  He survives.

Also surviving are one son, Yuichi (Mika) Watanabe of Shizuoka, Japan; two daughters, Michelle (Gary) Kelch of Spring Lake and Nicole Rika Kelso of Pekin; six grandchildren; three brothers, Yoshio Yamada, Yoshihichi Yamada and Hiroshi Yamada, all of Okinawa, Japan; and three sisters, Fumiko Yamada, Katsuko Yamada and Matsako Nakamatsu, all of Okinawa, Japan.

She was of the Buddhist faith.

A homemaker, Yoshi provided childcare in a loving environment for many children, including her grandchildren.

She enjoyed playing bingo with her friends at the Pekin Township Hall and the Miller Senior Citizens Center.  She also enjoyed country line dancing and playing card games with her friends.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2008 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Cremation will be accorded following services, and private burial of ashes will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Township Hall at 420 Elizabeth Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Miller Senior Citizens Center at 551 S. 14th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.