Rose Mary McKnelly (87) of Bible Grove

Rose Mary McKnelly, age 87, of Bible Grove, Illinois, passed away December 5, 2024, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

She was the only child of Farrel and Ruth (Toliver) Tolliver. After graduating from the Laura Hallford School of Beauty in Decatur, Rose Mary returned to Louisville to work for Marie Dell VanDyke. She later owned and operated her own beauty shop for many years before passing it down, and it remains in the family to this day. She married Roger McKnelly in 1957, and they were married for 26 years. She was a member of the Bible Grove Christian Church where she taught Sunday school, directed VBS, and led the singing. She loved to cook and entertain her friends and family.

She is survived by her son: Rande (Gina) McKnelly of Mt. Vernon; 4 grandchildren: Dusten (Sylvia) McKnelly and Jennifer McKnelly both of Louisville Kentucky, Austin (Amy) Ketelsen of New Lenox, and Myles (Lacey) Ketelsen of Smyrna, Tennessee; 4 great-grandchildren: Savanna McKnelly, Annabelle Ketelsen, Asher Ketelsen, and Silas Ketelsen. She is also survived by 2 sisters of the heart: Shirley and Linda McKnelly.

A graveside ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Bible Grove Cemetery in Bible Grove. Those attending should arrive directly at the cemetery. Arrangements are by Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Bible Grove Christian Church, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: by clicking here.