Debbie Kelone

DUNLAP – Debra L. "Debbie" Strunk Kelone, age 74, of Dunlap, IL passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Debbie was born April 1, 1950, to Bob and Allie Lou Strunk. She married David Kelone on Aug 4,1973. Debbie is survived by her daughter, Emily (Mark) Aiman of Metamora, and one grandson, Conner Aiman; her mother, Allie Lou (Keighin) Strunk; her brother, Greg (Peggy) Strunk of Phoenix, Arizona; and 5 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David, and father, Bob. Debbie graduated from Richwoods High School in 1968 and Indiana University in 1972. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Debbie earned master's degrees in curriculum and instruction, counseling, and administration from Illinois State University and Bradley University. Debbie started her teaching career in Atlanta, GA. She taught elementary school in Mossville, IL and Peoria District 150. Debbie was a high school counselor at Tremont High School, Morton High School, and Richwoods High School until she retired in 2010. She loved working with her students and parents. Debbie was an active member of her church, Northminster Presbyterian, in Peoria. She was a deacon, an usher, a member of the church Bible study, and on the bereavement committee. Debbie had accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and knew her eternal home would be in heaven. Prior to her passing, a hospital chaplain asked her "If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?" She said "heaven, it's so blissful." Debbie passed away peacefully with family by her side due to ongoing complications following a significant surgery. Cremation rights will be accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jennifer Cummins and Don Stuber officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45 a.m. Friday, prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Morton Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, Lutheran Hillside Village Foundation, or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.