Jean Keleher

Barbara Jean Keleher, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Esterdahl Mortuary, Ltd., 1301 4th Street, Orion, Illinois. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial at Western Township Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Orion or to Orion American Legion Auxiliary.

Barbara Jean Russell was born at home on July 31, 1930, in Creal Springs, Illinois. She later moved to Moline, Illinois, to attend the Moline Institute of Commerce, where she met the love of her life, Daniel Robert Keleher. They were married on March 5, 1949, at the First Baptist Church in Orion, Illinois, and shared 76 beautiful years of marriage before his passing.

Jean’s greatest passions were her family, her church, and sewing. She was an active and devoted member of her community, enjoying involvement in the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hatters, Card Club, and Book Club. Jean generously volunteered at Illini Hospital and faithfully served as treasurer of the First Baptist Church in Orion. In Henry County, she dedicated her time as a 4-H leader and election judge.

She also cherished time spent golfing and bowling with friends, creating memories filled with laughter and companionship.

Jean is lovingly remembered by her children: her youngest daughter, Dr. Angela (Don Barbarino) Keleher; her son, Daniel Bradley (Theresa) Keleher, along with their six children, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; and her oldest daughter, Christine (David) Mitchell, and their children, Jillian Mitchell and Daniel D. (Katherine) Mitchell, and their children, Grace and Nora.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; three sisters; her beloved husband, Daniel R. Keleher; and her grandson, Nicholas Mitchell.

Jean will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family, unwavering faith, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.