Kelly Gale Castleman-Staley

CASTLEMAN-STALEY, Kelly Gale, 53, of Carbondale, IL (formerly of Decatur, IL), passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Liberty Village in Carbondale.

Kelly was born on February 9, 1972, in Decatur, the daughter of Richard and Frances (Luck) Castleman. As a young girl, she was actively involved with the Decatur YMCA Gymnastics Team for many years. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1990, where she was a cheerleader and a dedicated member of the pom squad. Kelly later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

A passionate supporter of the arts and athletics, Kelly was closely involved with Arabesque Dance Studio in Carbondale, always found backstage helping to mend costumes, make adjustments, and cheer on every dancer. She was also a devoted fan of the Southern Illinois Gymnastics Team. Kelly’s upbeat spirit and infectious giggle brought light to all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 20, from 1–4 p.m. at the Midland Inn (7570 Old Hwy 13, Murphysboro, IL). Graveside services will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, at Glenwood Cemetery in Shelbyville, IL.

Kelly is survived by her daughter, Sydnie Staley of Carbondale; her mother and stepfather, Fran and Gary Ellis of Ivesdale, IL; cousins Connie (Edwards) Ormiston of Paris, IL, Craig Edwards of North Carolina, Chris Edwards of Pennsylvania, and Ginger (Luck) Denton of Atwood, IL; and her former husband, Charles Staley of Fort Myers, FL.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Charles Logan; her aunt and uncle, Brenda (Luck) and Boyd Edwards; her uncle, C. Gale Luck; and her grandparents, Charles and Bernice Luck.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family via GiveSendGo – Kelly Staley Memorial Fund.

Ministry of Comfort was Lovingly Entrusted to Southern Cremation & Burial Services, Murphysboro, IL and Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Atwood, IL.