Jacquelyn May Kellin

Jacquelyn (Jackie) May Kellin, née Rhodehamel, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on August 13, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Kellin; her parents, Jake Rhodehamel and Blanche, and Norva Ailene Carlein and Jim; and her sisters, Joannie and Diane.

Jackie attended SouthRidge High School. While working at Minnesota Mutual, she met her husband, Don, and together they raised five children: Jenny (Mark), Eric (Patty), Diane (Steve), David (Patty), and John (Kelly). She later worked as a furniture salesperson at Goldfine’s and in the medical records department at the Itasca Clinic. A devoted volunteer at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, she lovingly sewed Christmas stockings each December for every newborn, often making nearly 60 in a single year. Her handmade felted Christmas stockings and tree skirts brought joy to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With a bubbly, kind, sweet, and generous spirit, Jackie made friends easily. She enjoyed golf and Buck Euchre with her girlfriends and family, often giggling while winning at cards. She found great pleasure in gardening, knitting, sewing, ceramics, berry picking, and making jams, pies, and her famous Christmas chocolates. A wonderful hostess, she was known for her exceptional cooking and her constant willingness to help others. She cared tenderly for her children and grandchildren, always arriving with meals, comfort, and support whenever a new baby joined the family.

Through her example, Jackie taught her family the importance of looking after one another and living a rich, rewarding life. She was not only a loving mother but also a cherished friend. Her family will miss watching Wheel of Fortune with her and the love and laughter she shared so freely, even as dementia progressed in her later years. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and quiet strength that will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know her.