The Yorkville, Illinois community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Zoe Setchell, a bright and compassionate young woman who tragically passed away on January 9, 2026, in a car accident in Plainfield, Illinois. Born on September 2, 2007, in Aurora, Illinois, to Shannon (Evans) and Mark Setchell, Zoe’s life was marked by kindness, ambition, and a passion for helping others.
Zoe grew up in Yorkville and attended local schools, where she developed a love for learning and a curiosity about the world. She graduated in 2025 from Yorkville High School, excelling both academically and socially. Zoe had recently begun her studies at Waubonsee Community College, pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse anesthetist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with the goal of bringing comfort and care to those in need.
From a young age, Zoe’s dedication and perseverance were evident. She earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, demonstrating discipline and determination. She also developed a love for softball, playing with the Newark Redhawks and forming strong bonds with her teammates and coach, Zeke. Zoe’s compassion extended to animals, and she was known for her kindness toward every creature she encountered, a trait her family and friends cherished.
Zoe’s vibrant personality and inner beauty left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She had a natural sense of style, a warm sense of humor, and a genuine ability to lift the spirits of those around her. Her confidence, kindness, and caring nature made her a source of joy, and her presence brightened the lives of family, friends, and the community.
Family was at the heart of Zoe’s life. She is survived by her loving parents, Shannon and Mark Setchell, her sisters Bailey Knapp, Delanie (Calvin) Barbee, and Natilee Setchell, and her niece Nora Jade Barbee. Zoe is also remembered fondly by her maternal grandmother Gayle Evans, paternal grandparents Karen and Larry Setchell, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Richard Evans and cousin Garrett Scott.
In her memory, the family requests donations to a GoFundMe established in Zoe’s honor. Contributions will support Renko Animal Rescue in Yorkville and the Newark Redhawks, as well as an annual nursing scholarship for graduating seniors from Yorkville High School planning to attend Waubonsee Community College. Donations can be made to the Zoe Setchell Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund at https://gofund.me/45e3f7a2a.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Plano, Illinois, with a funeral service on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Zoe Setchell’s light, warmth, and compassionate spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy of kindness, love, and inspiration will never be forgotten.
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