Patricia H. Kelley

Patricia Helen Kelley died peacefully on March 5, 2015. She was born on February 22, 1925, in Peoria, IL. She was the sixth of seven children born to Marguerite (Ryan) and John Kelley. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1935. Patsy attended John Carroll Catholic Schools. She then attended Business College for 2 years. It would be many years later but she described her graduation from OCU as one of the greatest days of her life. She began working at OG&E in the mid-1940's; never dreaming her career would last 42 years there. She loved being a part of the business world but faced many challenges as a woman in what was still a man's world. Through her hard work and dedication to her job, she gained the respect and admiration of those she worked with, and quietly rose to the position of Corporate Secretary before retiring in the late eighties. Patsy cherished her family above all else, and cared for many of them at the end of their lives. She was a devout Catholic and relied on her faith for strength and guidance throughout her life. She had many interests. She was a mall walker, she enjoyed traveling, was a member of a local book club, she was an avid golfer, and she had a passion for the stock market. Aunt Patsy was simple and elegant, humble and frugal. She had a brilliant mind, a keen wit, and never spoke unkindly of others. She was admired by those who knew her, and adored by her family and close friends. Her energy and lovely spirit will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Tommy, Bobby, Jimmy and Dan Kelley, and her sisters, Jeanne Watson and Mary Lois Newsam. She is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, and their families. She made each of us feel so special, and in turn, we thought she hung the moon. The family owes a debt of gratitude to her daily caregivers who provided love and kindness when we couldn't be there. A special thanks to Dr. Karen Ross, Becky with Mercy Hospice and the staff at Quail Ridge. Finally, to David, Neil and the Brewery staff, thank-you for making our beautiful Aunt feel so special every Saturday night. The family would request memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Building Fund or the charity of your choice. Visitation with the family will be from 6-7:30pm on Tuesday, March 10th at Smith & Kernke Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery.