Shirley Kelle

Shirley Kelle, 88, of Washington, passed away on June 16, 2026. Mrs. Kelle, daughter of the late John Manor and Adele nee Senner, was born on June 29, 1937, in Wisconsin. On November 12, 1955, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Kelle in Oakdale, IL and soon started a family.

Shirley and Ken lived in Ferguson, MO for many years before moving to Washington, MO in 1985. Shortly after, she took a job at Cedarcrest Manor, where she made many friends over the years, retiring in 2015. After Ken’s passing in 2015, their beloved dog, Boo-Boo, became her constant companion. Boo-Boo was with Shirley until earlier this year, when she succumbed to poor health.

Shirley was never one to sit still for long, keeping house and caring for a multitude of house plants, especially her favorite, cacti.

She was well read and enjoyed reading the morning newspaper, among other things. Shirley also loved a good jigsaw puzzle, collecting cow related items and was a devoted fan of The Incredible Dr. Pol(TLC), even the reruns! Oftentimes, her neighbors were serenaded with a Polka or a Big Band tune playing on her record player. Anyone who knew Shirley, knew she had a sweet tooth…she never met a Milky Way or a chocolate chip cookie that she didn’t like.

But her true joy was her family-her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She reveled in their accomplishments and was always happy to give advice, if necessary.

Shirley had an incredible will to live, even when facing difficult health problems (some might even call her stubborn)…she will be dearly missed. Rest easy mom, you earned it.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Kelle, and two sons, Douglas and Mark Kelle.

Among her survivors are two children, Dale Kelle and wife Ann of O’Fallon, MO and Debora Wagner and husband James of New Haven; brother, Bob Manor and wife Joyce of Tennessee; three grandchildren, Ashlee Shields and husband Jason, Zakery Tierney and wife Kristin, and Emily Kelle; six great-grandchildren, Caleb, Austin, Tyler, Holden, Zoe, and Rowan; other relatives and friends.

Per her wishes, a private family gathering was held. Interment will be in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Franklin County Humane Society.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

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