C. Ben Kelly

C. Ben Kelly, 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Spokane, Washington on December 28, 2011.

Ben was born December 14, 1944 in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was raised in Walla Walla by his parents, Leone & Harry E. Kelly who have preceded him in death. Also preceding him is Clyde Scott & his sister, Carmen Bova.

Ben worked in the wholesale plumbing business for 35 years. At 63 years of age, he worked as a correctional officer for the Washington Department of Corrections; working at the Washington State Penitentiary & retiring from Coyote Ridge Correction Center in January 2011. During his retirement, Ben worked for the Washington Staff Assault Task Force.

Ben was a devoted husband of 48 years to Deanna Knopf Kelly; a dedicated & loving father to his 2 sons, Bryan (Michelle) Kelly, former Sgt. USMC & Darren Kelly, former Cpl. USMC; loving grandpa to Hailey, Sean, Kaitlin, Keaton, McKenna & Saleena; brother-in-law to Helen Albin (Roger-dec’d), Donna Adams (Steve), Duane Knopf (Maureen), Kathy Inscore (Rob) and Randy Knopf (Annette). He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & a sister. Ben also had many close friends even some from childhood.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2011 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM when funeral services commence at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. Burial to follow services at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Horizon Hospice of Spokane, Washington through the funeral home. Family & friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.