Obituary of Laurie DeSmet

Laurie K. DeSmet, 60, of Lacon passed away on June 30, 2018 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Laurie was born on September 26, 1957 in Peoria the daughter of Frederick and Katherine (McCartney) Kelly. Laurie was a remarkable woman whose life was built upon four cornerstones. The first cornerstone was the life she built with her husband, Steve, and her daughters Abigail of Indianapolis, IN, and Megan of Lacon. Laurie and Steve were married on December 7, 1985 in Sparland. Her best days were spent with Steve and her girls, whether they were shopping or attending school activities, or home watching Hallmark movies. Her girls were her pride and joy. The rest of Laurie's family was another important cornerstone of her life. She loved her family and enjoyed family dinners and celebrations. She also enjoyed spending time with her many nieces, nephews, and their children. She was a favorite aunt and and has blessed her family with many loving memories. Laurie's church was a third cornerstone. She was a faithful and active member of the LaPrairie United Presbyterian Church. During her long membership, she served as a member of the church session, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, choir director, and children's choir director. She also organized and directed many Sunday School Christmas Programs. Laurie's love of music was evident in her service to her church. Laurie's love of children was the fourth cornerstone. Laurie was a dedicated and beloved teacher for 39 years for Midland School District #7. She was comfortable and happy when she was surrounded by children, whether at home, church, or school. In addition to her husband and daughters, Laurie is survived by her siblings; Shari (Richard) Archibald of Peoria, Randy (Karen) Kelly of Washington, Kathie (Gene) Gibler of Toulon, James (Brenda) Kelly of Chillicothe, Rebecca (Wayne) Carlin of Chillicothe and Todd (Emily) Kelly of Downs. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and niece, Julia Katherine Kelly. A funeral service for Laurie will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11:00 am at her church, LaPrairie United Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 5-7:00 pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made out to Laurie DeSmet Scholarship Fund. Laurie's online memorial website may be viewed at www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com