LaVina Kellerman, of Pinckneyville

LaVina Arlene (Welsch) Kellerman, 86, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 5:18 a.m., Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 at Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

Mrs. Kellerman worked at Pat's Flower Shoppe and McCants Dress Shoppe in Pinckneyville. She retired after 26 years as a medical office receptionist for the Pinckneyville Family Medical Center.

She was a member of St. Bruno's Catholic Church in Pinckneyville. Mrs. Kellerman had attended Bigham School and St. Bruno's Catholic School. She graduated in 1949 from Pinckneyville Community High School.

Her family was a very important part of her life and the many memories will now be cherished by those left behind.

She greatly enjoyed attending the grandchildren and great-grandchildren's school and sporting activities.

Home and family meant everything to Mrs. Kellerman. She leaves her family with many joyous moments as she took particular care with individual and personalized Christmas gifts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all the while remembering each family member's birthdays.

She did that well.

Besides her loving family, Mrs. Kellerman was very proud of her years of service working at the Family Medical Center and volunteering for the Pinckneyville Community Hospital Auxiliary.

During her tenure at the Family Medical Center, she developed a reputation as the one to ask for help.

She demonstrated unquestionable patience, caring and kindness with all who called on the phone or walked through the door. This same dedication to caring was also seen through her volunteer services with the Hospital Auxiliary, whereby she recently was recognized with the Spirit of Auxiliary Award.

During these times, she developed lifelong friendships and respect from the Pinckneyville Community.

LaVina was born Dec. 8, 1931 at Belleville, Illinois, the daughter of Sylvester and Cecilia (Rheinecker) Welsch.

She married Edward L. Kellerman on Oct. 5, 1950 at St. Bruno's Catholic Church in Pinckneyville and he survives.

LaVina is survived by her husband Ed of Pinckneyville, her children - Brenda Erickson of Carbondale, Jerry (Carol Darlene) Kellerman, Doug (Carol Ann) Kellerman, Kevin (Shirley) Kellerman, Darryl (Kimberly) Kellerman and Keith Kellerman, all of Pinckneyville.

She is also survived by 16 grandchildren - Heather (Dan) Davis, Kyle Erickson, Teacia (Peter) Andrew, Teneil (Ruben) Sanchez, Travis (Amber) Kellerman, Erica (Casey) Stick, Adam (Bekki) Kellerman, Luke (Brandy) Kellerman, Todd (Dana) Kellerman, Jennifer Batson (fiancé Eric Gunn), Jared (Whitney) Kellerman, Justin Kellerman (fiancé Jordyn Reel), Kasey (Chris) Bauza, Paul Kellerman, Jordan Kellerman (fiancé Kelsey Bain), and Amanda Kellerman.

She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren - Dax Davis; McKenna, Morgan, and Maya Andrew; Sofia Sanchez; Addilyn, Emma, and Alexander Kellerman; Jacob, Jackson, Aubrey Kellerman, and Harper Kellerman; Rylee and Ryker Batson; Jaedon, Lynnen, and Bellamy Kellerman, and Oliver Kellerman; and Bryar and Baby Girl Bauza. Also surviving are three step grandchildren- Ashley (Heather) Presswood, Madison (Megan) Presswood, and Abigail (Kyle) Hammonds; and seven step great grandchildren.

She is also survived by a sister - Alveria Knatt; sisters-in-law - Virginia Bathon, Fran Sinn, Jeanette Kellerman and Shirley Welsch; brothers-in-law and wife - Louis Kellerman and Ray (Marlene) Kellerman.

She was preceded in death by her parents - Sylvester and Cecilia Welsch, sister - Dolores Kellerman, brother - Ben Welsch, parents-in-law - Bernard and Virginia Kellerman, grandson - Noel Kellerman, great granddaughters - Haley and Hollis Kellerman, and brothers-in-law - Bert Kellerman, Muriel Kellerman, George Knatt and Paul Bathon.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m.., Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 at the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church at Todds Mill, Illinois, with Fr. Bernard C. Goedde, Jr. and Fr. Augustine Ibezimako officiating.

Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday at the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church at Todds Mill and from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.

Burial will be in the St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery at Todds Mill.

Friends may make memorials to the Caring and Sharing Thrift Shop (for healthcare career scholarships) or to St. Bruno's School, both in Pinckneyville, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.