DEKALB — Kelli Kempson, 61, from DeKalb, IL, formerly from the Rochelle, IL area, died Wednesday, April 23, 2025 fighting a hard battle with pancreatitis and liver cancer.

She was born December 4, 1963 to Richard and Nancy Rockstead. She attended school in Esmond and Rochelle High School.

She worked 22 years with Walmart in Rochelle as most years as Pharmacy Tech and other areas in the store. After retiring due to arthritis, she took up baby sitting and had some favorite little kids come through her life. She had continued that career until she had gotten sick. A favorite past time of hers was volunteering at the Open Closet. The missionary provided by The Seventh-Day Adventist Church in DeKalb. She had been giving her time to the people in need for over 9 years and had made some great friends along the way.

In 1990, she married Roger (Jay) Kempson. He predeceased her January 21, 2022. Together they had one son, Landon Scott Kempson, who blessed them with a beautiful grandson Otto James Kempson and a bonus granddaughter Aliyah Grace Holtzclaw; who she considered life’s treasures.

Kelli is survived by three brothers, Mike Rockstead of DeKalb, Joe (Erin) Rockstead of Kings, IL, Scott (Paula) Rockstead of Rochelle; and one sister, Jan Saylor of DeKalb; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded by her mom and dad; Nancy and Richard Rockstead; sister, Kim Griswold; brothers, Doug Rockstead and Stacey Rockstead.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can go to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org and DeKalb Adventist Church Open Closet Ministry, 300 E Taylor St., DeKalb, IL 60115-4408.

Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 1100 W. State St., Sycamore, IL 60178.

Per Kelli’s wishes, no services will be held.

Arrangements by Olson’s Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.