Theresa J. Stell Franklin
Theresa J. Stell Franklin, 60, died peacefully on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Southern Illinois Healthcare Herrin Hospital in Herrin.
She was born on Sept. 30, 1960, in Chicago, the daughter of Kinneth Stell and Elizabeth Butt Stell.
She married Kenneth Franklin on Jan. 16, 2009.
She was a sibling to Janette Stell, Suzanne Stell and her children, Tina, Jeff, Gusty and Robbie, Kenneth Stell, Denise (Stell) Ostrowski and her daughter Francine.
Theresa was a junior in high school when she got pregnant with her first child, Carl Tripp Jr., who was born Aug. 1, 1977. Following him was a daughter, Valerie (Gordon) Struthers, born on Sept. 11, 1978; then another son, Jeremy Stell, born on Dec. 12, 1979; and her youngest son, Scott Tripp, born on Jan. 2, 1984.
She attended Nativity of Our Lord Grade School through 8th grade, and St. Mary of Perpetual Help High School, finishing her junior year.
She had many grandkids and great-grandkids she held so close to her heart. She was definitely a proud grandmother.
She truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with family and friends, loving her time with her grandchildren, drinking her morning coffee while passing the time on her computer playing games, and making others feel comfortable and welcome in her presence. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Theresa was such a humble and understanding woman, making no one feel down and out. As she always picked people up with her laughter, nobody could ever leave her presence unhappy. She was simply a genuine, strong, caring, loving, giving, selfless, true woman to everyone.
She is survived by her husband, Ken; daughter Val; sons Richie, Jeremy and Scott; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Theresa touched are invited to Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna on Friday, June 18, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for grievance and support. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Donations can be made to the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.