Lucille Mildred Kelly

Lucille Mildred Kelly, 97, of Springfield, died on April 23, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born June 9, 1918 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Walter Simpson Burtle and Agnes Loretta (Dirksen) Burtle. Lucille married Robert Joseph Kelly on February 17, 1942 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Auburn, IL. He preceded her in death on March 8, 1989. She was a devoted wife for 47 years. The oldest of three children, she was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Jerome Burtle on May 10, 2009, and her sister, Ruth Agnes Burtle Yackley on September 6, 2004. In 1932, she graduated from Cherry Grove School, a one-room schoolhouse. In 1936, Lucille graduated valedictorian of Auburn High School. She was a dedicated mother and homemaker, and worked from 1936 1947 for Illinois Bell Telephone Company. She was a charter member of Christ the King Parish. Lucille was active in the Arts and Craft Club, funeral luncheon committee, prayer line, and the Legion of Mary for five years, where she served as president for five years. Lucille is survived by her seven children, Robert C. Kelly, Carol (Jim) Gvazdinskas, Mary (Mark) Kramp, Helen (Robert) Corsentino, Harriet (Todd) Eberle, Rita (Tom) Kienzler, and Katherine E. Kelly; eighteen grandchildren, Elizabeth, Erin, Katie, Joe, Mary, Kim, Amy, Tim, Rick, Bobby, Terri, Jack, Phil, John, Brittany, Jimmy, Wesley, and Martha; and seventeen great-grandchildren, Emma, Michael, Kaylee, Madelyn, Kathryn, Maggie, Ryan, Marty, Claire, Avery, Tommy, Nora, Evan, Mia, Rose, Eve, and Lucy. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Christ the King, 1930 Barberry, Springfield with Rev. Joseph Ring, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Christ the King Church or School, 1930 Barberry, Springfield, IL 62704.