Shirley J. Kelly, age 87 of Alexandria, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Alexandria Care Center after a long battle with dementia.  She was born March 22, 1936 in rural Miami County, the daughter of Dean and Irene (Dangerfield) Fansler.  Shirley was a 1954 graduate of Converse High School.  Later that year, she married the love of her life, Delmar L. Kelly on Nov. 14, 1954, and they shared over 58 years of marriage together before his passing in 2013.  Shirley was a homemaker and farmwife who was devoted to caring for her family.

Shirley was a member of the Orestes Christian Church and formerly a member of Shiloh Friends Church for many years.  She enjoyed baking, reading, caring for her vegetable garden on the farm, canning vegetables, and growing beautiful flowers all around their farm property.  Shirley and Delmar especially enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Florida.  Shirley always had a beautiful smile on her face and greeted everyone with kindness.  More than anything, she will be remembered for her devotion to her family and absolutely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley's family includes 4 children, Dena (Gene) Brewer of Shelby, NC, Pat (Joe) Everling of Elwood, Janet (Dennis) McKeeman of Cicero, and Bob Kelly of Alexandria; 7 grandchildren, Kelly (James) Bruhn, Kim (Greg) Durm, Wade Collier, Wesley Collier, Shanna Kelly, Blaize (Morgan) Kelly, and Blaine Kelly; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Delmar Kelly; 6 siblings, Jim (Madge) Fansler, Glen (Julie) Fansler, Norma (LaVoice) Kelly, Ruth (Earl) Dennison, Joe (Margaret) Fansler, and Gene (Leanna) Fansler; and beloved cat, "Mr. Smoky".

A funeral service celebrating Shirley's life and legacy will be held on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Courtley Granger officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be from 12 to 2 pm prior to the funeral on Friday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.