Viola June Kelley, 87, a longtime resident of Danbury, Nebraska, passed away early Sunday morning, October 4, 2020, at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska. Viola was born on June 22, 1933, in Ravenna, Nebraska, to George and Iva (Rosier) Zeller. The family later moved to rural McCook. She attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended and graduated from Danbury High School in 1951. Viola attended Kearney State Teachers College and used her education to teach country school for two years. Viola was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Raymond Kelley, on June 19, 1955, at St. John Lutheran Church in rural McCook. Raymond was a pilot in the United States Air Force, and Viola would accompany him to his many duty stations in the United States and to his final duty assignment at Kadena AFB, Okinawa. She enjoyed her time as a military wife and took advantage of the opportunities to experience different places and cultures, especially Japan and Hong Kong. The couple formed many friendships that would stand the test of time. Upon leaving the Air Force in 1960, the couple returned to the family farm in rural Danbury, where they would spend the rest of their lives together. Viola helped on the farm and raised their three children: Kenneth, Jeanne, and Bruce. She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she was active in Ladies Quilting. Viola had a strong faith in the Lord that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Viola was happiest when she was busy with her hobbies, especially sewing, cooking, baking, and gardening. She was an avid reader and a strong supporter of the McCook Public Library. Viola enjoyed trying new things, whether it be new recipes or taking up quilting later in life. She took great pleasure in creating quilts for her family, including making baby and graduation quilts for her grandchildren. She was a member of the Needles and Pins Quilt Club in Oberlin, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Raymond Kelley of McCook; children: Kenneth Kelley and wife, Carol, of Danbury; Jeanne Paulsen and husband, John, of Arapahoe, Nebraska; and Bruce Kelley and wife, Dianne, of Danbury; grandchildren: Holly Wolfe, Megan Kelley, Lance Kelley, Alesa (Ty) Haussler, Catherine Paulsen, Stephanie Paulsen, Erin (Josh) Grass, and Kate (Casey) McLellan; great-grandchildren Lola and Nora Haussler; brother and sisters: Shirley Winters of Montrose, Colorado; Joy Sayer of Axtell, Nebraska; Richard (Sylvia) Zeller of Ravenna, Nebraska; and Lola (Delvin) Teter of Wolbach, Nebraska; sisters-in-law: Terri (Eddie) Anderson of Goodland, Kansas and Vicki Lignitz of Topeka, Kansas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. (CT), Saturday morning, October 10, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church of Rural McCook with Pastor Justin Hildebrand officiating. Inurnment will follow services in the Danbury-Marion Cemetery. The family will greet friends at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook on Friday afternoon, October 9, 2020, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (CT). Memorials have been established to St. John Lutheran Church, the Beaver Valley Rural Fire Department, and the McCook Public Library. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Friday, October 9, 2020 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Memorial Service St. John's Lutheran Church Saturday, October 10, 2020 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM RR #3 McCook, Nebraska 69001
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