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!