Shirley Kelly

Shirley Kelly, 88, gained heavenly reward March 9, 2024 at Ascension Anderson after a brief illness. Shirley was born in Buckhorn, Kentucky to Roy and Nannie Sandlin. Shirley grew up and attended school in Southern Indiana.

Shirley married Lloyd G. Kelly, of Pendleton, in 1952.  Shirley and Lloyd raised their family in Huntsville, and later resided in Pendleton.  The active family enjoyed traveling, camping, and birdwatching, and together they visited forty-four states along with Canada and Mexico.

Shirley and Lloyd were blessed by being active members at several churches: Whetstone, Pendleton First United Methodist, and Markleville North Christian Church.  After Lloyd’s passing in 2005, Shirley sought out a church closer to home and attended Good Shepherd in Huntsville. At North Christian and Good Shepherd, she was known for leading Sunday School and Bible Study groups. She loved the fellowship offered during this time.

In addition to church activities, Shirley found joy being with her family and shopping a good rummage sale or antique store.  Shirley loved people well: she enjoyed sending cards of all sorts to friends, neighbors, and family; visiting folks at nursing homes, often taking them gifts or flowers;  helping however she could; and reminding everyone, “you are loved.”

Shirley is survived by three children: Patrick & Celina Kelly of Ethel, Mississippi, Nanette & Dewayne Orr of Pendleton, and Michael & Linda Kelly of Pendleton; two granddaughters: Shawna Kelly of New Orleans, Louisiana, Marissa & Andy Skaggs of Pendleton; two great-grandsons: Callaway Aranda of Franklin, and Ezra Skaggs of Pendleton; and two great-great granddaughters: Paisley and Maddie Aranda.  Shirley is also survived by several nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law Carol McIntosh of Greensburg, Jill Kelly of North Port, Florida, and Georgia Bowers of Anderson.  Also surviving are many special friends from church, the community, and Sugar Fork Crossing, where she lived for the last year.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son, Raymond D. Kelly; three brothers, Ray and Jerry McIntosh and Bert Sandlin; two sisters, Ethel Mansheim and Emma Young; three brothers-in-law Fred, Dale, and Marvin Kelly; and sister-in-law Martha Reed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 11am to 1pm; with services at 1pm at Wilson St. Pierre Lahm Chapel in Pendleton with Rev. John Hackney officiating. Burial to follow at Grovelawn Cemetery in Pendleton.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to mail a card to someone, feed the birds, or take family or friends to breakfast in Shirley’s memory.

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