MENDOTA - Carol R. (Johnson) Kellen, 77, of Mendota passed away Dec. 30, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at the Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk with Pastor Ken Gibson officiating. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m. on Jan. 5 at the funeral home.

Carol was born July 9, 1944 in Streator to Harold and Ruth (Wenzel) Johnson. She married Jack Kellen on Oct. 29, 1975 in Ottawa and they spent 37 happy years together until his passing on Dec. 17, 2012.

Survivors include one daughter, Jacqueline Kellen of Gilberts; one son, Gregory Kellen of Mendota; three grandchildren, Lauren Kellen of Roscoe, Noah (Jessica) Kellen of Dekalb and Adam Kellen of St. Louis, Mo.; one sister, Donna (Les) Lindgren of Clermont, Fla.; and one nephew, Eric Johnson of Western Springs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one brother, Harold Loris Johnson.

Carol was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota. She grew up in Leland and was a proud member of the 1962 graduating class of Leland High School. She always enjoyed the class reunions and gatherings with the small class she was a part of. Alongside her husband, they owned and operated Chalet Restaurant in Mendota. As a life insurance producer for 30 years, her heart was so full of kindness as she worked with families either at their home or at the funeral home. She loved guiding them through making decisions on preplanning their own funeral services, to lessen the burden on loved ones left behind. She enjoyed coordinating and attending style shows, seeing all the new fashions, and picking out something to add to her wardrobe. Most of all, Carol cherished every moment she spent with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota or the charity of one’s choice. For more information or to sign the online guest book please go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com.