Audrey Ruth Kelley

Audrey Ruth Kelley, 95, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, passed away November 6, 2024 at Copper Summit Assisted Living with her daughter Cathy by her side.

Audrey was born on September 24, 1929 to Levi and Ruth Anderson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Audrey was the middle child with an older brother Bob and a younger sister Mary. When she was 2 years old the family moved to Chicago, Illinois. 

In her Chicago neighborhood, Audrey met Dennis Kelley. The Kelley family lived across the alley from Audrey’s family. On June 21, 1952, Dennis was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in Chandler, Arizona and later in the day he and Audrey were married. Dennis and Audrey then moved to Las Vegas where Dennis qualified as a jet fighter pilot.

While Dennis was flying jet fighters in the Korean War, Audrey gave birth to their son Patrick in Chicago on May 21, 1953. Following the end of the war, Dennis was honorably discharged from the Air Force and began his career with American Airlines. On January 2, 1957 Cathryn was born, completing the Kelley family. Dennis and Audrey lived in Hoffman Estates, IL, Des Plaines, IL, and Barrington IL.

In 2004, Dennis and Audrey moved to Pocatello, Idaho. Audrey loved the beauty of Idaho and the friendly atmosphere of Pocatello. Some of her favorite times were spent with all of her grandchildren at Redfish Lake, Idaho. Dennis passed away in 2008. In 2014, Audrey moved into an addition at the home of Cathy and her husband Keith. Audrey liked being in her own area but having family nearby. She loved and spoiled the family dogs!

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents Levi and Ruth Anderson, her husband Dennis Kelley and her brother Bob Anderson. She is survived by her sister Mary Schwartz of Whitewater WI, children Patrick Kelley (Patricia) of Schaumburg IL and Cathryn Riemersma (Keith) of Pocatello; and grandchildren Kristen Aldrich (Brian), Courtney Willings (Chris), Nathan Riemersma (Sydney), Colin Riemersma (Katelyn) and Drew Riemersma (Katie); and 11 great grandchildren.

Audrey liked to travel, taking many cruises with Dennis after he retired, and she loved exploring Idaho’s natural beauty. She enjoyed playing cards, although she sometimes would cheat if you didn’t watch her. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick smile that we will greatly miss. But, Audrey’s greatest love was her family. She and Dennis often spoke of how blessed they were by their children and especially those grandchildren! Audrey had a kind and giving heart and her generosity touched everyone she knew. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Audrey’s name be made to St Vincent de Paul of Pocatello, 855 S 2nd Ave Pocatello, ID, 83201. The family would like to thank the staff at Copper Summit Assisted Living for the loving care they provided to Audrey for the last two years, Dr Jordan Bailey, Michaela, Deann and the entire staff at Symbii Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 15 beginning at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 439 N Hayes Ave Pocatello, ID 83204. A rosary will be said prior to the funeral at 12:30. Graveside service will follow.

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