Faye Sheley, 87, of Taylorville, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. She now rests in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, reunited with many beloved family members and friends.
She was born on November 9, 1938, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, the daughter of Albert and Gladys Rigg. She married Ronald Sheley on September 18, 1960, at Lick Prairie Christian Church in Mt. Carmel, IL.
Faye grew up in a loving family on a farm as the youngest of seven children. With no running water or electricity for much of her childhood, she often shared stories of the joy she found playing in the surrounding woods, her dog faithfully at her side.
After graduating from high school, she left home to attend Lincoln Christian College. Because she needed to support herself, she took a job at Frank’s Food Fair. It was there that she met her partner in life, Ron. Together they built both a life and a career, working side by side at Frank’s and several other grocery stores for 42 years.
Beyond her family, Faye had several passions in life. She was an avid reader and, although she was often the smartest person in the room, you might never know it because of her humility and grace. She loved plants and gardening, though she never quite understood why her children failed to share her enthusiasm for vegetables.
Her faith was also central to her life. Ron and Faye were among the early members of Taylorville Christian Church and had the joy of watching it grow from a small gathering of believers into the vibrant church and school it is today. The church remained a cornerstone of her life, and she deeply cherished the friendships and fellowship of her church family.
Faye also loved to travel. She and Ron were fortunate to explore much of the United States as well as several destinations overseas. While her whining children were focused on amusement parks and McDonald’s, Faye would study the local history and quietly appreciate the places they visited.
Most of all, Faye will be remembered by her three children as a deeply loving mother. She instilled strong values, a love of God, and a generous spirit. Along with Ron, she modeled an unwavering work ethic, while reminding her family to embrace life and cherish time together. Her quiet strength, wisdom, and kindness will remain with those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband Ron; children: Randy (fiancé Cathy) of Taylorville, Stan (Leslie) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ryan (Kris) of Taylorville; grandchildren: Ashley Koniak (Jake), Kyle Sheley, Kala DeMuro (David), Danielle Hann (Ryan), and Wyatt Sheley. Three great grandchildren: Ally, Mady, and Baby Hann (due June 2026); sisters-in-law Sandy and Jeannie; brother-in-law Dennis; and many wonderful nieces, nephews and extended family members.? She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Frank, Sam, Fred, Mary, Ida Mae, and twin brother Ray; brother-in-law: Kenneth; and daughter-in-law: Jeanette.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and Faye will be interred at Lick Prairie Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial service for Faye will take place at 5 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Taylorville Christian Church, 1124 N. Webster Street, Taylorville, IL, with Pastor James Jones officiating. The family will receive visitors immediately following the ceremony until 7 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Taylorville Christian Church or Visionway School, both located at 1124 N. Webster Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.
