Rita M Kelly

Surrounded by the love of her family, Rita Kelly peacefully left this world on February 13, 2024, just in time to join her beloved husband for their long overdue Valentine's date. Now, they are reunited, and their love story continues in the realms beyond. Rita leaves behind a legacy of warmth, love, and a lifetime of cherished memories. On February 22, 1930, in Ethan, SD, Rita Martha Kelly was miraculously brought into this world thanks to a wonderful incubator, rumor has it. A lesser told story is how Gertrude Lingemann came to name her only baby girl. Her anticipated name was Rita Rose, which would have suited her well. Instead, bystanders believed that “Martha” should be incorporated in her name, as George Washington was also born on February 22nd. Much to Rita’s dismay, Gertrude was eventually persuaded. At twelve years old, she and her mother packed up and moved to Colorado with nothing but a trunk and two suitcases to start a new life. From a young age she demonstrated what it meant to be a strong and resilient woman, which she in turn passed onto her children. As she grew older, she found an extraordinary talent for working with her hands and her intricate creations were not only a testament to her creativity but also a source of joy for those lucky enough to receive them. A few short years later she met the love of her life, Robert Kelly, at the Catholic Youth Organization. Their bond was immediately unbreakable, and she was sure of God’s plan to make him her husband. He was one of the greatest joys in Rita’s life, and her enduring love for him grew every day. Even after his passing, she carried his memory in her heart. Rita started her family at the age of sixteen, creating a large and beautiful bloodline that became more intertwined through its growth as the years progressed. From double dates with their eldest daughter, to family vacations, there was not a time where a single family member was left with a lonesome feeling. Every moment was marked by a sense of togetherness that carries on throughout the extended family to this day. Rita Kelly is survived by her nine children, thirty-nine grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. A rather large community of people who will forever cherish the memories they shared with her and the lessons they learned from her. Her legacy lives on through the generations she leaves behind, a testament to the strong foundation she laid for a family that meant everything to her. As we mourn the loss of Rita Kelly, let us remember her for the warmth she brought into our lives, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared. In celebrating her life, we find solace in knowing that she is now dancing to the tunes of her husband's music once again, creating a melody that echoes through and beyond the gates of Heaven. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love that she so generously gave throughout her remarkable life.

Tributes

Rita M Kelly

February 22, 1930 - February 13, 2024