Marlene Kelley

Marlene Ada Kelley, 80, of Junction City, KS passed away on Monday, March 23, 2015 at the Geary Community Hospital surrounded by her family. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2015, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Pastor Alan Estby will officiate. A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 S. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441.

Marlene was born June 20, 1934, Geary County, KS to Hugo and Caroline (Settgast) Dietrich. She was reborn as a child of God through Baptism on July 22, 1934 and was later confirmed in the Christian Faith. She was a graduate of Junction City High School class of 1952. During high school, she worked for the Kaw Theater.

Early in her adult life, she moved to Illinois with her husband Robert and children. During that time, she worked for the Social Security Administration and was involved with The Christian Women's Business Association. After relocating back to Junction City, Marlene worked in the finance and accounting department for the Department of Defense for many years at Fort Riley. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She attended the Kansas State Twins Association with her twin sister Delane and was an avid Bridge player.

Marlene enjoyed helping others and was a special caregiver to many people throughout her life. She enjoyed gardening, birds and butterflies. She enjoyed spending many hours shopping with her daughters and granddaughter. Christmas was a special season for Marlene. She took great pleasure spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and was excited at the news of her first great-great grandchild expected later this year.

Marlene has been an inspiration to others and loved spreading the word of Jesus Christ's saving grace and love. She was secure in the knowledge of everlasting life with her Lord and Savior.

She married Robert Kelley March 2, 1952, in Junction City, KS. He passed away April 5, 1980.

Survivors include one son, Robert Kelley, Jr., (Janet) and two daughters, Lynn Hartung (John) and Carol Halbert all of Junction City, KS. She is survived by one sister Marian Johnson (Russell) and one brother-in-law Don Wolf all of Junction City. Other survivors include several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, twin sister Delane, sister Alberta Sarge and brother-in-law Charles.