Chloetta Maye Kinney, Longtime Galesburg Resident, Dies at 96

Kinney was a devoted mother, community member, and person of faith who lived through the Great Depression and World War II.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Chloetta Maye Kinney, a lifelong resident of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 96. Kinney was born in 1929 during the Great Depression and grew up in a modest household, later marrying her childhood neighbor Don Kinney after he returned from serving in World War II. She was a devoted stay-at-home mother and also worked in various roles in the Galesburg community over the years, including at local businesses, nonprofits, and her church. Kinney and her husband were avid travelers and homebuilders, constructing six new homes in Galesburg. She was remembered as a woman of strong faith who was kind, warm, and had a good sense of humor.

Why it matters

Chloetta Kinney's life story reflects the experiences of many Americans who lived through the Great Depression and World War II eras, overcoming economic hardship and global conflict. Her lifelong commitment to her family, community, and faith also highlights the enduring values that have shaped small-town Midwest communities like Galesburg over the past century.

The details

Chloetta Kinney was born in 1929 to Arthur August and Lenore Belle Pugh Johnson, just months before the stock market crash that triggered the Great Depression. Her father sold needles and thread door-to-door to support the family during those difficult economic times. Kinney grew up in her grandparents' home in Galesburg, where she met her future husband, Don Kinney, the boy next door. After Don returned from serving in World War II, the two married in 1948 and had two children, Don Jr. and Becky. Over the years, Chloetta worked at various local businesses and organizations, including Lotts Drug Store, Gambles Department Store, Prairie Council BSA, and Faith Lutheran Church. She and Don also owned part of Grandpa's Ice Cream Shop. The couple enjoyed traveling and built six new homes in Galesburg during their 67-year marriage.

  • Chloetta Kinney was born on February 28, 1929.
  • The stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression occurred just a few months after Kinney's birth.
  • Kinney graduated from Galesburg High School in 1947.
  • Kinney married Don Kinney in 1948 after he returned from serving in World War II.
  • Chloetta Kinney passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 96.

The players

Chloetta Maye Kinney

A lifelong resident of Galesburg, Illinois who lived from 1929 to 2026. She was a devoted mother, community member, and person of faith who overcame the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II eras.

Don Kinney

Chloetta Kinney's husband of 67 years, whom she married after he returned from serving in World War II. The couple built six new homes in Galesburg over the years and enjoyed traveling together.

Arthur August and Lenore Belle Pugh Johnson

Chloetta Kinney's parents, who lived through the Great Depression and supported the family through difficult economic times.

Terrill Johnson

Chloetta Kinney's younger brother.

Trinity Lutheran Church

The church where Chloetta Kinney was baptized, confirmed, and married, and where her funeral service will be held.

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What’s next

Chloetta Kinney's funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Don in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The takeaway

Chloetta Kinney's life exemplified the resilience and community-minded spirit of many Midwesterners who lived through the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II. Her devotion to family, faith, and local institutions left a lasting impact on Galesburg, a small town that she called home for nearly a century.