Harriet Lorene Kelly

Harriet Lorene Kelly, born December 19, 1922, in Bushton, Kansas to Harry Elvin Kemper and Jessie Mae (Blaylock) Kemper, died on April 13, 2014, at home surrounded by her family. She was a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico from age four to age 80, and then moved to Olympia, Washington to be near daughters, Sharon Mitchell and Linda Smythe. She is survived by her daughters; son-in-law, Tim Smythe; granddaughter, Jennifer Smeller (Curt) of Portland, Oregon; step granddaughter, Starr Smythe of Olympia, and Michelle Morris of Cedar Creek, Texas; great grandsons, Callum, Connor and Curran Smeller; and step great grandsons, Cole and Keaton Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Lawrence Kelly (1996); and lifelong best friend, Marcheta Chapman of Albuquerque. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, including her furry friends, Cody and pal Buddy Lee. Harriet graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1941, attended University of New Mexico (1942-1944), and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Albuquerque (1928-2003), and a member of the Two-Soms Sunday School class and Mirriam Ruth Circle since 1960. Harriet always considered Albuquerque her home, but enjoyed her last years in Olympia with extended family and new friends and seeing the beautiful Northwest. Harriet loved animals and was famous for her collections of animal knick knacks of all kinds and refrigerator magnets. She was a quiet and sweet person and generous of heart. She enjoyed traveling, going out to eat, reading, dog sitting with Buddy Lee, and joking with her son-in-law over who was the biggest baby. She had a full 91 years and was ready for the journey back to Albuquerque where she will be buried in a private family service. Please leave memories of Harriet or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.