STEWARD — Celesta Shannon Reed, 99, of Steward, IL, passed away peacefully Friday, September 13, 2024, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law. She was born February 18, 1925, in Kansas, the daughter of George and Alma (Eichman) Gross. She married James Shannon in September of 1941. He preceded her in death. She later married Clare Reed and he also preceded her in death. 

Celesta was born and raised on a wheat farm in Kansas where she lived through the Dust Bowl. She was a woman of strong faith. She was a giver, never a taker, and was always there to help. She cared for her parents in their later years before they both passed. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, and playing cards. Family was always at the forefront of her life and she was always there for her children and grandchildren. Celesta was never an animal person but in her final years, she grew attached to her daughter’s dog, Presley, whom she affectionately referred to as Pretzel. 

Celesta is survived by six children; Jim (Athena) Shannon, Gary (Connie) Shannon, Mary Suddeth, Vicki Doughty, Sally (Lyle) Ranken, and Mike (Christen) Shannon; thirteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by two sons, Roger and Greg Shannon; brother, Jerry, and two sisters, Opal and Berdina. 

A funeral service will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg Street in Paw Paw, IL with Pastor Ken Foster officiating. Visitation will be from 11 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Cremation care will be provided after the services. Contributions in Celesta’s name may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. Please visit www.tormanfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.