Holly Eve Keyl-Jones, 49, Capron

Holly Eve Keyl-Jones, 49, Capron, died peacefully Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, with her family by her side after almost a three-year battle with lung cancer. 

She was born Dec. 26, 1966, to Richard and Janet Jones in Elgin. 

She attended grade school in Woodstock and high school in Prairie du Chien and Patch Grove, Wis. While living in California, she went back to school and received an associate degree to become a medical assistant. After relocating back to Woodstock to be near her family, she worked for Sheltered Village for 13 years as a direct service provider. She loved all the residents and they all loved her. She cared and fought for them with her whole heart and was an incredible advocate for them. 

When her world got chaotic, her favorite place to be was on the river in Prairie du Chien where she enjoyed camping with family and friends. She was a dedicated Harley rider and rode every chance she got. One of her favorite trips was the Tennessee ride she and Mike took together. 

Her courageous battle was not fought alone. Her infectious smile and huge heart earned her the nickname  “Steel Cowgirl” and won her many compassionate and caring friends who stayed by her side and encouraged her with support and prayers. The most vigilant of those was her friend Melissa Rath. In her final days, her house was a constant flow of family and friends who came to visit and take care of her, a testimony to how much love she generated in the world. Her brother Todd steadfastly and compassionately cared for her in her illness.

Survivors include her former husband and best friend, Michael D. Keyl, Capron; two sons, Ryan (Lindsay) Whiteaker, Hingham, Mass., and Michael Joseph Keyl, Capron; five siblings, Jeannie (Tom) LaBelle, Marengo, Todd (Amy) Jones, Poplar Grove, Timothy Jones, Madison, Wis., Tina (Hugh “Mac”) McNally, Redding, Conn., and Daniel Jones, McHenry; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins including Julie, who was her steady arm to lean on while receiving treatment in Tulsa. 

She was preceded in death by a son, Dillon Richard Keyl, in May 1997; a brother, Kris Jones,  in October 2015; her paternal grandparents, Art and Margaret (Lull) Neises; and maternal grandparents, Elmer and Ava Matousek. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held from 11 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at The Waverly Ballroom above the PourHouse, 214 Main St., Woodstock. A summer tribute and motorcycle ride to Prairie du Chien is being planned for the weekend of June 25 with a spreading of ashes ceremony atop her favorite spot on the Mississippi River where she always felt at peace. For updated details and photos,  follow the facebook page: Celebrating a ROCKSTAR! 

Memorial contributions can be made to JourneyCare Foundation, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025; or online at journeycare.org. Memorials also can be made to Sheltered Village, 600 Borden St., Woodstock, IL 60098.