ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, William Kelley, 78 years old, born on September 9, 1944, and passed away on February 19, 2023. We will remember him forever.
September 9, 2023
September 9, 2023
Happy Birthday dad. I never imagined how empty part of my heart would be without you in my life. I wish you and mom were still here. Do you hear me talking to you? Give mom a huge hug for me and tell her I’m sorry for being so hard on her. I was just angry at the cancer. I love you both!!
March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023
Dad I remember so many happy memories of you , and a few nervous ones. Like asking you for your permission and blessing to marry Teresa.
And lots of happy fun times like our trip to Disneyland in 1990. Thank you for letting me be your "Favorite" son in law , we all enjoyed your since of humor and your dressing up as our own personal Santa.
Love and miss you !
March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023
I will miss Uncle Billy's happy, laughing greeting asking me all about how I have been every once in a while and out of the blue. But no matter whether it had been days, weeks or a year since we had spoken, it was like a warm blanket to talk to him. Easy and filled with love. I miss him but love that his voice is distinctive in my mind and heart!
March 8, 2023
March 8, 2023
Papa it is still so hard to believe that you are really gone. It is just so hard to find the words to sum up how much you influenced my life. Not to mention all of the wonderful memories that were made over the years. You will live on forever in our hearts and memories we and the kids will always love you and hold the memories close. Till we see you again.

Brandon Kayela Zoey and William
March 7, 2023
March 7, 2023
Mom and I are so sad to hear of Bill's passing. She very much enjoyed the time she was able to spend with him and Marlene when they would come to Yuma. I enjoyed visiting with them, as well, when we would come for a visit.
Although we won't be able to attend his celebration of life, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are with you in spirit.
Gina and Janice
March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023
Hard to believe you’re gone. I still keep thinking the next time I drive out to my parents house you’ll be there. Miss you grandfather. I will always cherish the time we had.
March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023
I love you dad and miss you more than I ever imagined.

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Recent Tributes
September 9, 2023
September 9, 2023
Happy Birthday dad. I never imagined how empty part of my heart would be without you in my life. I wish you and mom were still here. Do you hear me talking to you? Give mom a huge hug for me and tell her I’m sorry for being so hard on her. I was just angry at the cancer. I love you both!!
March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023
Dad I remember so many happy memories of you , and a few nervous ones. Like asking you for your permission and blessing to marry Teresa.
And lots of happy fun times like our trip to Disneyland in 1990. Thank you for letting me be your "Favorite" son in law , we all enjoyed your since of humor and your dressing up as our own personal Santa.
Love and miss you !
March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023
I will miss Uncle Billy's happy, laughing greeting asking me all about how I have been every once in a while and out of the blue. But no matter whether it had been days, weeks or a year since we had spoken, it was like a warm blanket to talk to him. Easy and filled with love. I miss him but love that his voice is distinctive in my mind and heart!
His Life

William Louis Kelley Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle

March 4, 2023
WILLIAM LOUIS KELLEY

September 1944 – February 2023

William (Bill) passed away peacefully at home in Graham Washington with family near and holding his hand as he transitioned from this world to his next great adventure.

Bill was born in Kentucky to Lillian and William Kelley Sr. He was the youngest of their two children and after hearing his tales from his childhood a little bit of a spunky child.

He enlisted in the US Army out of high school and eventually stationed in Fort Lewis Washington were he met Marlene. They fell in love almost instantly and knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. After 3 Months they tied the knot in Olympia WA. After, Two years of marriage they welcomed their daughter Teresa into the world. He was a proud Veteran . He served 20 years in the Army finally retiring in 1982. 

After his retirement he went to Clover Park Vocational School for Culinary Arts. He enjoyed this so much that after he graduated, he got a job there teaching catering and bakery. He was a talented cake decorator and made both his daughter Teresa his nephew Donald and grandson Brandon’s wedding cakes.

Eventually that program was closed, and he continued working for Clover Park School District in their central kitchen where he did the baking and catering for the district. The cinnamon rolls there were amazing!

After retiring from the school district, he and Marlene got a motorhome and took to the roads. They traveled to Arizona and loved the weather. So much so, that they eventually became “snowbirds” spending the cooler 6 months of the year in the warm Arizona sunshine. This is where he started his carving hobby. He was an incredibly talented artist and the Kachinas he carved are amazing. He also carved several other items including canes, team mascots and many other whimsical carvings. He also painted and drew all sorts of things and even designed a couple tattoos for his grandchildren! Eventually they had to settle here again full time due to some health issues.

While living in Graham on his daughter’s property he was able to spend some quality family time. They even babysat their great grandson Dexter for quite a while. Oh, the stories of Jude and Dexter we could tell!

Bill was so immensely proud of his five grandchildren (Ashlee, Christopher, Brandon, Alexa, and Emily) and his five great grandchildren. (Jude, Zoey, Dexter, William, and Jeremiah) He often bragged about them and enjoyed spending time with them all living so close. Sneaking snacks and spoiling them all any chance that he could.

During his last hospital stay, they asked him what he preferred, being called William or Bill. He proudly responded that he liked to go by William now days, citing that he had a great grandson named after him and how happy it made him, they shared the same first name.

I could go on and on about his love to be outside, creating a beautiful living space with Marlene. Their yards and gardens were always very nice. Or how we would spend weekends when I was growing up floating the Yakima River with his friends and their families. The camping excursions and events. Fishing, snowmobiling, and playing cards with their lifelong friends Cliff, Joan, Shirl, and Charlie.

Dad knew how to enjoy life, I have missed so many things I would have liked to add about him, but we can reminisce more at his celebration of life.

William is survived by his loving wife of over 57 years, Marlene Kelley. His Daughter Teresa George (Donald his favorite son-in-law) his five Grandchildren: Ashlee Casem (Tony), Christopher George, Brandon George (Kayela) Alexa George and Emily George. His Great Grandchildren: Jude George, Zoey George, Dexter Casem, William George, and Jeremiah Brown-George.

His Sisters Barbara Ann (Kelley)Schmitt and Stacy (Kelley) Funderburg (Richard) and his Brother Daniel Kelley. Sister-in-Law Darlene Bowen.

Nephews: Donald Bowen (Jean), Steve Purdon (Jody) and Andy Purdon (Heike) Niece’s: Betsy Jackson (Aubrey) and Paula Keller.

Twelve Great Nieces and Nephews and Nine Grand Nieces and Nephews

We know dad is making a beautiful place for mom and waiting for her to join him in eternity. Where they can live their happily ever after.

Bill will be interred at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent WA on March 14th, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Following the brief ceremony at the cemetery we will be having a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Hall in Puyallup WA starting at approximately 3:30. 

Dad, we miss you down here, but we rejoice that you are no longer in any pain, and you are in your perfect Heavenly body. We will take care of mom until she is together with you again. We Love you to the moon!

Recent stories
March 7, 2023
It was impossible to be around Bill and not have fun. Always a welcoming, generous friend.  So many memories of cookouts, dinners out, hours of card playing, and house projects. We will miss you, until we meet again.

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