Barbara L. Kelley, 70 of rural Frankfort, died at 5:54 p.m. August 23, 2017 at her home. She was born November 30, 1946 in Clinton County to Sam & Becky (Bechtel) Thompson. She married William Kelley on May 27, 1967 and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2016. Barbara was a 1964 graduate of Frankfort High School, received a degree from University of Kentucky in 1968 and a Master’s degree from Purdue University in 1972. She began teaching in the Frankfort School system in 1968 and taught for 28 years. Barbara was a member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years, participated in the Bible studies, and also led a Bible Study at Wesley Manor for 15 years. She was also a member of Friends of the Manor, past member of Tri Kappa Sorority, Friends of the Library and Retired Teachers and was a Pink Lady for St. Vincent Hospital in Frankfort. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Visitation and Services
A Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 352 W. Clinton, Frankfort, Ind. Friends may visit following the service until 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church or the Clinton County Cancer Fund.
Survived by:
2 Sons: Travis (Jen) Kelley, and Matthew (Keisha) Kelley both of Frankfort, Sister: Lynn (Dave) Kelso of Chicago, Illinois, Brother: Steve (Vicki) Thompson of Park City, Utah, 3 Grandchildren: Porter, Ryan & Claire Kelley and 3 Step Grandchildren: Brooke, Dallas and Grant Miller.
Dear Lynn, Steve, Travis and Matthew and Families,
So very pained to hear of Barbara’s passing; may the Lord tide you through this sad time! “Barbie,” as I used to call her, was my very best friend at Little Jeff Elementary School until she left for Lincoln Elementary in Frankfort. I used to visit and play with Barbara at your farmhouse and I remember you also, Lynn and Steve. She was very dear to me. Over the years, I lost touch with her and recently ran across Bill’s obituary that listed her as his surviving spouse. (Sorry about Bill, also; God now has two wonderful angels up there with Him). It looks as if Barbara had many achievements and distinguished herself beautifully in the life she led. Condolences to all of you. Linda Heavilon St. Myer
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Facebook Twitter GoogleOur prayers are with your family at this difficult time
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sad to hear of her illness and passing. I worked at Riley school as a teachers aide & was privileged to know this sweet lady. May Barb’s sons and family find strength and peace in the days ahead. Rest In Peace sweet Barb.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTo Barbara Kelly’s Family— Sorry for your loss. Your mom had a beautiful smile and wonderful personality. I won’t forget that last smile and the time I saw her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers… Joan Hubler/Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSincere condolences on Barb’s illness and passing. We graduated in the same year and participated in band together. She exemplified courage and grace. May your hearts continued to be blessed with her kindness and fond memories. Phyllis Adair Shearer.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleLesley was so lucky to have Barb as her kindergarten teacher. We were then lucky to call her a friend. When Lesley had her birthday party the first name on her list was Mrs. Kelley. Matt and Travis our best to you and your families. Your dear mother will be missed by all.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleA great person and teacher has left us to join her Bill. She was a friendly delightful person and one I enjoyed teaching with at Riley Elementary. She will be missed. She told me once after we’d retired ” those golden years aren’t quite what they are cracked up to be”. Think she was correct. Prayers to all. Jan and Gary
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI am so sorry to learn of Barb’s passing. What a wonderful and thoughtful person she was. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories of time spent with Barb bring you smiles and comfort in the days, weeks and years to come. Barb will be missed.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleBarb was a wonderful teacher to both of our children! They were blessed by such a godly woman! We were blessed also by her loving friendship & to be able to worship together! The world is better because of Barb Kelley!!! Love & prayers to the whole family, Jeff & Lynette Hardesty
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTravis and Matt
Sorry to hear about your mom. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleBarb was such a great, solid long-term member of our church- Bill too. We miss them both.
Matt & Amy Crawford
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTravis, Matt, Lynn, Steve, & family, I knew Barbara in high school & she honored me by being in my wedding. I have lots of wonderful happy memories of slumber parties with so many laughs at the farm!! I was honored to “travel with her via wonderful inspiring emails on her last journey”. She was such an inspiration through her amazing faith. I will remember her as being filled with grace & love. My thoughts & prayers are with you Sincerely. Bonnie (Behr) Rettig
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI am so sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet lady. I’m praying for you little miss Porter. Love you, Nana Kaylor
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all your good memories outweigh your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)
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Facebook Twitter GoogleHeaven got a beautiful Angel. I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to come to the service for her. I have never met anyone like your Mom, Grandmother. Always a positive lady that was so full love. Her faith in God was amazing. She loved her family more than anything. Barb inspired me to try to be a better person. I believe God brings people into your life for that reason. I will miss her, and all the talks we had. I will be praying for the family during this difficult time.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Lynn & Family,
So sorry to hear of your sweet sister, Barb’s passing. She was such a gifted and loved teacher of so many. Know she left a hole in the hearts of her students. Prayers of comfort and strength to all. God Bless
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Facebook Twitter GoogleShe was such a blessing to so many people. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleYour mom was a loyal friend. Barb was a positive and inspiring influence on everyone. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Chris (classmate of Steve T.) & Suellen (teacher’s aide at Riley) Myers—–parents of Andy, classmate of Travis.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTravis and Matt, We are out of town and so sorry to miss your mother’s service, however, we wanted to express our sympathy and to let you know that we have been praying for you. We have some fond memories of a cruise together, (which your mom didn’t see too much of because of seasickness), a couple of trips down in French Lick, Purdue football games and several New Year’s Eve parties at our house. It was on a trip to French Lick that your mother encouraged me to go back into teaching (about 17 years ago). I can still remember your mother saying to me, “Olivia, you are bilingual. Frankfort needs you.” The following year I was going to take a class to keep up my teacher’s license and I needed a study buddy. Your mom volunteered to do that. She said that she could use the information from the class in her own classroom. I really think that she was just doing me a favor. Kind heart. We have and will miss both of your parents — your mom’s sweet nature and quiet, soft-spoken ways. Love and blessings to you both.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTravis and Matt,
So sorry to hear of mother’s passing. Please accept my condolences.
Rich
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