Renee J. Felts

Renee Jean Felts, born on November 26, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at the age of 62. Renee spent her final days surrounded by the love of her family in Oregon, Illinois. 

Renee’s life was marked by quiet strength, deep love, and a boundless dedication to her family. She graduated early from Palatine High School and went on to pursue further education at Harper College and a vocational program at Northwestern Hospital in Arlington Heights. After school, she worked as an X-ray technician. During this time, she also married the love of her life, Jim Felts, the father of her children and former husband. In the years that followed, she worked as a license and title clerk at Jim Felts Mitsubishi before eventually choosing to dedicate herself fully to the roles she cherished most: being a devoted and loving mother, and later, Nana. 

Her love for the outdoors was evident in her meticulous yard work and gardening. Renee took great pride in growing fruits and vegetables, which she shared generously with friends and neighbors. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives and school activities — from being a dedicated cookie mom for the Girl Scouts to crafting and baking for countless school events. Her handmade holiday decorations and delicious Christmas cookies became treasured traditions, reflecting her creativity and her desire to bring joy to others. 

To know Renee was to feel her warmth. She was loving, caring, and endlessly selfless — always putting the needs of others before her own. Her radiant smile lit up every room, and her gentle presence left a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate to know her. 

Renee is survived by her mother, Rosemary Rybski of Cottleville, Missouri; her children: Tanya (Matthew) Harrolle of Byron, IL; Cori (Daniel) Gale of Oregon, IL; and Cody (Jacky) Felts of Marysville, Washington; her siblings: Paula (Jay) Carlson of St. Charles, MO; Tracy Rybski of Osage Beach, MO; and Scott (Lori) Rybski of Cross, SC; her five beloved grandchildren, who knew her simply and lovingly as “Nana”: Wynter and Grayson Gale, and Parker, Collin, and Jace Harrolle; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Rybski, and her sister, Nancy Rybski-Skonicki. 

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until noon on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street in Oregon, IL. A celebration of her life will follow from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 7929 Walnut Street in Grand Detour, IL. 

A memorial fund has been established in Renee’s name and may be directed to her family. Her legacy of love, generosity, and grace lives on in all those she touched.