Evelyn (Ambrose) Kiel

Evelyn Teresa Kiel, 96, of Rantoul passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford. Evelyn was born Sept. 18, 1928, in Agawam, Mass., to Robert and Mabel Ambrose. She attended Cathedral High School in Springfield, Mass. Later, she attended the Charles F. Gaugh School of Business. She married Harry L. Kiel on Aug. 8, 1953. They divorced Feb. 2, 1983. As an Air Force wife, they lived overseas for a few years then eventually settled in Rantoul at Chanute Air Force Base. She worked at Altel Telephone Co. and later Walmart in Rantoul, well into her 70s. Evelyn enjoyed being with her friends and family, going out to eat and playing bingo at the American Legion. She also enjoyed crocheting, babysitting and kept the Home Shopping Network in business. Evelyn is survived by her children, Kathy (Kenneth) Lockwood of Casselberry, Fla., Jeffrey (Debra) Kiel of Urbana and Jeanette (Kenny) Pruitt of Rantoul. She is also survived by multiple grand and great-grandchildren. There will be a memorial gathering at Lux Memorial Chapel on Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m.