Published on January 21, 2026 4:07 pm
Last Updated on January 22, 2026 11:37 am
Frances L. Antrim Kelly, 101, of Shumway, a cherished centenarian, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont, Illinois. Born on October 18, 1924, in Sigel, Frances was the daughter of Preston and Emma (Ashenbremer) Beals. Her life was a remarkable journey of love, dedication, and faith that touched many.
Frances grew up in the embrace of the Illinois countryside and attended the one-room schoolhouse, Bull Flat, in rural Effingham. Her early years instilled in her the values of hard work, community, and the importance of education. As she matured into a young woman, Frances’s life became a testament to her resilience and capacity for love. She married James L. Antrim, and together they built a life filled with joy and the laughter of children. After James’s passing in 1988, Frances’s heart found room to love again, and she married Rolla Kelly, who also preceded her in death in 2012.
Frances is survived by a legacy of love that includes her children, Nancy (Jim) Sporleder of Effingham, Beverly (Delbert) Soltwedel of Shumway, Alonzo "Lonnie" (Nancy) Antrim of Effingham, Don (Marcella) Antrim of Stewardson, Paul (Melissa) Antrim of Stewardson, Dave (Mary) Antrim of Effingham, Ken (Nancy) Antrim of Effingham, and Barbara (Mike) Juhnke of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; 30 grandchildren; 79 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; stepsons, Raymond and Roger Kelly; four step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two loving husbands, son James F. Antrim, her five brothers Clifford, Kenneth, Leo “Jack”, Emil, and Ralph, and three sisters, Millie, Geneva, and Rosalie.
Frances’s work outside the home included 13 years of dedicated service at the Ramada Inn in Effingham. However, her true vocation was her family, to whom she was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and doting grandmother. Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, and she was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church. Since 1986, she was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway, where she was active with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). Her community spirit shone through her active participation in the Shumway Senior Citizens group.
Her interests were as warm and nurturing as her personality. Frances enjoyed reading and embroidering, but above all, she cherished making memories with her family. She was a familiar and encouraging presence at her grandchildren’s sporting events, celebrating their achievements and offering her unwavering support.
Funeral services to honor and celebrate the life of Frances will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway, with Pastor Jordan Peiser officiating. Friends and family may pay their respects during visitation hours from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Frances will be laid to rest at Ramsey Cemetery. Memorials in her honor may be given to Faith Lutheran Church, Lutheran Care Center in Altamont or SBL Hospice and may be mailed to 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. The Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson is assisting the family during this time.
Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.