Thelma Louise (Cornford) Kelley went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 19, 2020. She was born December 19, 1923, her mother’s 21st birthday, to Irvin William and Agnes Mae (Mackey) in Falls City, NE. She grew up on the family farms and was proud of her farm heritage; sharing many memories with her family. She graduated from Falls City High School in 1942 and was active with her classmates in the Alumni Association.
On October 29, 1948, Thelma married the love of her life, Richard H. Kelley, in Humboldt, NE. They had a loving marriage which set a wonderful example to their family. They had two daughters, Debra and Cathy. They lived their whole married life in Falls City. Mr. Kelley passed away January 3, 2010.
Thelma balanced being a wife, mother, and working woman, never neglecting any of her responsibilities. She enjoyed being busy with her daily Bible devotions, gardening, baking, cooking, needlework, and doting on her children and grandchildren. She worked at various Falls City businesses and retired from the Falls City Mercantile after 26 years in 1986. She was a loving, giving servant to her Lord and church into her late years; serving as a Sunday school teacher and officer and deaconess. She served wherever she was needed. She was a member of the choir, Rachel Group, Crusaders class and the Women’s WFCC group. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church. She was a past member of the Elizabeth Rebekah Lodge #103.
Her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her and she was a devoted daughter to her parents. She was always there for her extended family as well and a true matriarch of her family. She will be fondly and lovingly missed by all.
Thelma was blessed with and survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Debra (David) Ruthsatz and Cathy (Dennis) Bede and their families, Cassandra (Brian) Ruthsatz Marron, Jayden and Grayson; Jennifer (Landon) Collins, Addison, Jameson, and Cameron; Stephen (Emily) Bede, Renly, Alec and Dawson; and Caitlyn Ruthsatz. She is also survived by a sister, LaVerna “Vernie” Greenley and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, parents, Irvin and Agnes; and siblings, Irvin, Jr., Mildred “Babe” McGinnis and Winifred “Winnie” Schulenberg.
We all have such loving memories of our Mom, Grandma and Gigi. Well done good and faithful servant.
Thelma’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM at First Christian Church with Reverend Fay Ann Blaylock officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.
The family prefers memorials be made to family choice.
