Lona L. (Kingsley) Selby

Lona L. (Kingsley) Selby, 82, of Bartonville & Brimfield, IL, passed away peacefully at her home at 2:05 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, with her family by her side. Born February 18, 1941, in Amba (Harold), KY, to Paul and Nellie Kingsley, she married Robert W. Selby on December 5, 1958, in Pekin, IL. After more than 60 years of marriage, Robert (Bob) preceded her in death in 2019. Surviving are their two daughters, Sheryl (Mark) Barra of Peoria, IL, and Trish Cheatham of Bartonville, IL. Also surviving are three granddaughters, Amanda (Ryan) Rohn, Meghan (James) Kestel and Allyce Newby; five great-grandchildren, Gabbie and Blayke Rohn, Bryce and Bryant Newby and Ilana Kestel; siblings, one brother: Terry (Michelle) Kingsley of Toler Creek, KY and one sister: Yona (Wayne) Spears of Toler Creek, KY, three sisters-in-law: Mabelene Stevens, Kaye Kingsley and Sue Kingsley all of Toler Creek, KY, in addition to her brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Nellie (King) Kingsley; (7) brothers, Paul Jr., Herb, Arthur Lee, Perry, and Thomas Kingsley, Alonzo and Delano Salisbury; one sister, Sarah (Salisbury) Stevens. At the age of 16, Lona moved from Kentucky to Illinois to live with her cousin Nora (King) Brown. After moving Lona worked at Andy’s Diner in Pekin, IL. This is where she would eventually meet her future husband Robert (Bob). After marrying and starting a family Lona became a homemaker and worked to take care of her family. In addition to that she also worked in several small diners over the years owned by those who became dear friends. As well as do occasional housekeeping for friends and family. Her and Bob’s greatest honor in life was taking care of her children, granddaughters and later in life her great-grandchildren. Together, Lona and Bob operated a woodworking business called Grandmother's Love, where the name was inspired by their three granddaughters. They designed and sold many beautiful, handcrafted pieces such as furniture, seasonal hanging displays and solar lights. They shared their love for what they did with the community for more than 25 years. Just like her husband, later in life she worked at Wal-Mart Super Center on Allen Road in Peoria, IL where she helped complete a remodel of the facility. Lona loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren in addition to her large extended family and friends. She was many roles to many people, but her greatest joy was in being "GRAN - NAN - NANNY". She never missed an event pertaining to the grandchildren and, she did her best to attend their great-grandchildren activities for as long as they could. She truly took her “Grandmother” roll seriously and could often be found teaching her grandchildren how to cook, garden, remodel a home, and even play the card game Rook “a long-standing family tradition”. When it came to the great-grandchildren, she spent time teaching them how to read and write; and on occasion she could be found outside playing catch with them. Prior to declining health, she thoroughly looked forward to every mile, when traveling to Kentucky and Indiana, to reunite with family and friends. Lona valued any occasion to come together with her family and friends, and often reminisced of the many wonderful memories they had shared over the years. A Celebration of Life / Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. The service will be held at Bartonville Christian Church, where Lona was a member, located at 4900 W. Pfeiffer Road, Bartonville, IL. A dinner will be provided by Bartonville CWA and all guests are invited to join the family for lunch, immediately following the service. Floral arrangements can be sent to the church or memorial contributions may be made to either St. Jude Team Bartonville - Allyce Newby or Bartonville Christian Church "CWA”, in memory of Lona L. Selby.

Lona L. (Kingsley) Selby

February 18, 1937 - September 15, 2023