Lynda Kay Skelley's Obituary
Lynda Kay Hatch Skelley, 81, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Shelbyville, IL.
Lynda was born in Decatur, IL, on September 12, 1944, to the late Donald Hatch and Mildred Witt Hatch. She married James “Jim” Skelley, on September 12, 1962, and spent the next 53 years at his side, until his passing on May 5, 2016.
Family was the center of Lynda’s life. She and Jim were perfect complements to one another, working hard to build their life and guide their children. While Jim went to work outside the home, Lynda took care of everything within. She was always a caring heart and a listening ear, someone who could be counted on to help in any way she was able.
When her skills were needed a little less at home, Lynda took on work as a customer service representative at UPS. She spent ten years doing her best to make sure that anyone who called her felt taken care of by the time they hung up.
Lynda will be remembered as someone who was ‘always going’; catching up with those she loved, engaging in quiet acts of kindness, working in her well-tended garden, or sharing a few moments riding horses with her husband. Her caring heart and kind attitude touched the lives of many and left a lasting tribute to the joy simplicity can bring.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by one brother, Don “Skip” Hatch; one sister, Shirley Irwin; and beloved dog, Ben.
Those remaining to cherish her memory include: children, Terri (David) Rathje, Todd (Sandy) Skelley, and Tom (Tracie) Skelley; brother, Jim Dale (Sherry) Hatch; grandchildren, Devin (Kenneth), Alice, Isaac, Jack, Miles, Gracie, Nola, David James (Brittany), and Rachel; and great-grandchildren, Declan, Stetson, Elizabeth, and Angelina.
A Funeral Mass will be held for Lynda Skelley at 11am on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with burial to follow in Graceland Cemetery.
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