KELLEY, Merrill Franklin "Skip" 1940-2006

KELLEY, TYRRELL, SANCHEZ, DENNIS

Posted By: Kermit Kittleson
Date: 2/15/2006 at 19:27:10

A memorial service for Merrill Franklin (Skip) Kelley, Sr., age 65, of San Diego, Calif., was held January 3, 2006, at Point Loma National Cemetery overlooking San Diego harbor.

He died December 25, 2005 after couragiously battling cancer during the last five years. Like his father, Skip donated his body to medical research.

Skip was born in Osage, September 26, 1940, the son of S. Merrill and Helene (Tyrrell) Kelley. He graduated from Osage High School and served in the Navy. He married Jane Dennis of Osage in 1958. They were the parents of two sons, Merrill F. Kelley, Jr. and Dennis E. Kelley. Skip and Jane's marriage ended in divorce. Later Skip married Diana Sanchez of San Diego, Calif. They were parents of two daughters, Anna and Sara. Skip was stationed with the Navy in San Diego, the city that was his home for nearly 50 years. After the service he worked in the offices of San Diego Gas and Electric. He earned a degree in accounting from San Diego State University. For many years Skip owned his own business. He enjoyed jogging, sports, and was an avid reader.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his step mother Bernice Kelley.

He is survived by his wife Diana, and daughters Anna and Sara of San Diego, Calif.; sons Merrill F. Kelley, Jr. of San Diego, Calif., and Dennis E. Kelley of Donald, Ore.; a stepson Daniel Winters of San Diego, Calif.; four grandchildren; a sister Margery Johnsten (Richard) of Great Falls, Mont.

[Adapted from Mitchell Co. Press online - Posted Feb. 15, 2006 - www.mcpress.com ]