Dean S. Kelly

Dean S Kelly passed away at the age of 89 on December 6, 2015 in Yuba City, California. He was born April 26, 1926 in Preston Idaho, the son of John Kelly and Henrietta Smith Kelly he was the youngest of 6 children. On November 15, 1949, he married Darlene Weight in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Preceding Dean in death, Darlene passed away on September 4, 2001. Dean and Darlene are the parents of five children: Christine (Tim) Hoyt, Laveen, AZ; Debbie Kelly, Sidney, (Linda) Kelly, Loomis, CA; Calvin (Joanne) Kelly, Rocklin, CA; and Ronald (Allison) Kelly of Yuba City, CA. Debbie passed away at birth. Dean and Darlene have twenty two grandchildren and sixty five great grandchildren. Dean was preceded in death by two grandsons and all of his siblings. Dean was faithful and true to his spiritual upbringing. As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he served in many callings within the church and even helped build the church building located on Clark Avenue in Yuba City. At age 18, Dean left home and joined the Navy to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot in the Navy. Shortly after enlisting while stationed in Peru, Nebraska, the war ended and he was honorably discharged. He returned to Utah where he finished his education at Utah State graduating in 1948 with a degree in civil engineering. After graduating from College, he accepted a job with the California Division of Highways (now known as Cal Trans) settling in the Yuba Sutter area where he had a stellar work career spanning 40 years. He oversaw and completed many projects with the state including Highway 50, Interstate 80 over the Donner summit and the expansion of Highway 70 including the Earl Road overpass. He received many awards for his projects throughout his 40 year career. It is also here in Marysville where he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Darlene. His life was an ongoing example of hard work, good decisions and his willingness to help others. He loved and adored his family so much and especially loved all of his many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of them all. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015, at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 520 Clark Avenue, Yuba City, California. Interment will be at the Sutter Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Ullrey Memorial Chapel (530) 673-9542