By Melanie Tuttle
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  • Visitation

    Tuesday, January 9, 2024

    4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

    Wednesday, January 10, 2024

    11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL

  • Service

    Wednesday, January 10, 2024

    12:00 PM

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Letha L. Castelli, 86, of Collinsville, IL, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family.

    She was born on March 16, 1937, in Paragould, AR, to Richard and Iva (nee Crockett) Finley. On February 23, 1957, she married the love of her life, John J. Castelli, Jr., in Fairmont City, IL. In her youth, Letha attended Lansdowne Junior High, then graduated from East St. Louis High School in East St. Louis, IL. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church in St. Jacob, IL.

    Letha was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, and her passion for the team was unparalleled. Her home was a shrine to the Cardinals, adorned with an impressive collection of memorabilia that showcased her unwavering loyalty. She never missed a game, diligently watching each one and analyzing the replays with a keen eye. Letha's love for the Cardinals extended beyond her living room; she had attended numerous games and spring training sessions, creating cherished moments that added to her rich tapestry of life.

    In addition to her sports enthusiasm, Letha was a culinary maestro, delighting her family and friends with her exceptional cooking skills. Her fried chicken was legendary, and her cornbread and pigs in a blanket were simply divine. Whether it was a holiday feast or a simple family gathering, Letha's kitchen was the heart of the home, filled with the aroma of delicious meals and the warmth of her love.

    Letha had a few culinary preferences of her own, with a particular fondness for Diet Pepsi and onions. These simple pleasures brought her joy and comfort throughout her life.

    Beyond her culinary talents and sports passion, Letha was the cornerstone and matriarch of her family, the glue that bound generations together. Her nurturing spirit, selflessness, and boundless love made her the best mother, and she reveled in doting on her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Her door was always open, and her heart even more so, as she treated everyone with the same level of love and kindness, never meeting a stranger but only making new friends.

    Letha's strength and resilience were evident in her triumph over breast cancer, a battle she faced with courage and grace. Her journey inspired those around her and served as a testament to her indomitable spirit. In every sense, Letha embodied love and care. Her impact on the lives of those who knew her is immeasurable, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

    She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Iva Finley; grandson, Johnny Castelli; infant great-granddaughter, Margaret; and 11 siblings.

    Letha is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, John J. Castelli, Jr.; children, John J. (Peggy) Castelli, III, Richard “Mike” (Kerri) Castelli, Debbie (Jerry) Carver, Gary (Kim) Castelli, Greg (Nancy) Castelli, Mary Castelli-Cates; grandchildren, Erin, Ronnie, Christian, Kristi, Michael, Eric, Tara, Ashley, Josh, Nikki, Caitlyn, Paige, Daniel, Joseph; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Anya, Sydney, Madison, Maxwell, Maecynn, Maeghan, Malorie, Leo, Evan, Seth, Kailey, Lana, Chloe, Matthew, Sebby, Gus, Alex, Gabe, Kameron, Kendall, Lucas, Jackson, Lucas, Nora, Nylah, Nevaeh, Evelyn, Eli, Sora, Marcy; great-great-grandchildren, Lennox, Everett, Asher, Kobe, Milo, Greyson; sister, Christine (Rudy) Bleier; numerous nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.

    Memorials may be made to HSHS Hospice or St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

    Visitation: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL.

    Service: Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 12:00 PM, Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

    Clergy: Pastor Brian Crocker

    Interment: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. Jean Atkinson / January 4, 2024 at 9:44 pm

    What a beautiful memorial statement about the blessed life and a woman who was a blessing to us all! She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. She lived her Christian beliefs of love and selflessness. I know her greatest desire is that each of us accept God’s gracious gift of salvation. Until we meet again, Sweet Aunt Lettie.

  2. Julie Evans / January 5, 2024 at 5:09 am

    What a wonderful lady. Pastor Evans & I loved her dearly. She will be missed by so many.
    Love & prayers as you go through this difficult time.
    May the Holy Spirit comfort you all as you know you will see her again in heaven. She accepted Christ as her Savior & we know we have that assurance that she is walking on streets of gold 😄

    Love
    Julie Evans (& Pastor Mike)

  3. Bobby Goedecke / January 5, 2024 at 9:30 pm

    I will miss her always but will always have the great memories !! I know my Mom will be there waiting for her !! Love you Aunt Leatha.

  4. Susan Foster / January 6, 2024 at 3:54 am

    Rest in Peaceful Slumber Aunt Letha. My heart goes out to our whole family who will miss her dearly. She was such a tiny lady with such a huge personality and a gorgeous smile. That is how I will remember her.

  5. Catherine Murphy / January 8, 2024 at 2:13 pm

    I loved and respected Aunt Letha. She always treated me and my husband very well.

  6. Kevin Harris / January 8, 2024 at 11:16 pm

    Serving in the U.S. Air Force was an honor, but an additional benefit afforded to me was the opportunity to serve and become friends with Greg. That friendship included spending time with his parents and siblings. His mother Lee was always welcoming, with their home, and to her kitchen with a hearty plate of delicious “fixins.” She always made me feel like family. Lee’s zest for life was enjoyable to witness, especially when it came to her beloved Cardinals. Last year when departing an afternoon visit to John and Lee’s house she made the generous offer to come by anytime and stay. This was not a surprise having known Lee for over 35 years, but it was still special. I am fortunate to have the Castelli’s as an extended family.
    Sincere condolences and love to John, Johnny, Mike, Debbie, Gary, Mary and my dear friend Greg.
    Kevin “Rock” Harris

  7. Vickie ested / January 9, 2024 at 4:44 pm

    Letha wonderful woman she will be missed god got another angel Rest In Peace I’ll never forget you Vickie Estes troy illinois

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