It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Kelley Kreis, who left us on May 8, 2023, surrounded by family, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Kelley was born on June 16, 1962 in Vineland, New Jersey. She spent her early years in New Jersey, Texas, and Oklahoma and has resided in Illinois ever since. She lived most of her adult life in Crest Hill, Illinois. Kelley had many interests over the years, but always enjoyed family vacations the most. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign and graduated from University of St. Francis with a degree in elementary education. She also received a master's degree in education from National Louis University.

Kelley worked as a teacher at Laraway School in Joliet, Illinois for 36 years, in middle school math, fifth grade, and third grade. She had a passion for teaching and dedicated her life to her profession. She spent 15 years serving as the president of her local teachers union, always ready with trustworthy advice and support for her colleagues. Kelley's tireless efforts and dedication to teaching made her a respected leader in her district. Her legacy will live on through the many students whose lives she impacted and the countless educators who were inspired by her leadership.

Kelley was preceded in death by devoted father G. Richard Kreis.

Kelley was the loving daughter of Diane Kreis (Brown), loving sister of Kimberley Kreis Stenson and Shannon Kreis, and loving aunt of Breck Stenson and Campbell Stenson. She is also survived by aunts Judith Robinson and Teresa (Gary) Kirk as well as many cousins. Kelley will be dearly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched in countless ways.

Visitation will be held at Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Friday, May 12 from 3:00 – 6:30 P.M. A celebration of life will be held immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Kelley's life may be made to Susan G. Komen or Lightways Hospice.