Dorothy Henrietta Kelley

Our wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Kelley passed away August 23, 2024, at the age of 98. She said she wanted to live forever and boy, she gave it a great try.

Born in Buffalo NY on October 20, 1925, Dottie attended Pine Hills High School where her towering 4’ 10” frame helped anchor her high school basketball team. As a 19-year-old, Dot met her future husband Arthur, and after seven dates, they were married. That glorious marriage lasted a fun packed 66 years until Art passed away in 2011. The life of a military spouse meant raising and uprooting her family whenever a transfer occurred, but judging from her treasured scrapbooks, she loved every minute of it. Dottie was a fantastic mother to son Keith, daughter Pam, and had enough love left over for son David. Whether she was raising three kids during the tumultuous ‘60’s, taming the boys as a Cub Scout den mother, or volunteering for years at hospital gift shops, she gave it her all. 

Being a San Diegan since 1963, she was an avid Padres fan. She loved to travel whether it be long distance driving road trips or partying on cruises and had a passion for reading. But by far and away her biggest joy in life was her love for her family. All of her grandchildren and great grandchildren were incredibly special to her, and it showed through her love and individual care given to them. 

Dottie was preceded in death by husband Arthur and son Keith and is survived by daughter Pamela (Drew) of Oklahoma, son David (Nancy) of La Mesa, daughter-in-law Jantana of Nebraska; grandchildren Kenneth Kelley, Robert Swanek, Tamara Kelley (Alex), Shawn Jaramillo (Leanne), Ryan Kelley (Amber), and Taryn Tichiaz (David); and 15 great grandchildren.

 The family would like to thank Casa de Vida for the care provided to Dottie in her later years.

 She will be missed but will always be felt in our hearts.