Marilyn Lee Kelly

My mother grew up in Walla Walla, graduated from WSU (1950) and married Gene Kelly in August of ‘50. Since 1982, Mother has been a widow for (43 years). She’s had a very good life involving travel and living in other areas, such as Palm Springs, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, Denver, Colorado, and during the winter taking trips to San Diego area. In June of ’79 Marilyn Traveled to Europe with son Kevin and her Mother Mamie for nearly a month, visiting family in Ireland along w/time in UK, France and Italy hosted by Kevin’s friend Kent in Southern Italy (Rome – Sorrento).

Finally, in the Spring of 2009 the altitude in Colorado was bothersome after having spent a year there. Through a close friend recommended that she consider moving back to Walla Walla. She discovered the Wheatland Village Retirement Center, thus began her 16 plus years at Wheatland. Periodically during my career, I had occasional business in Walla Walla staying at Wheatland visiting mother.

She was a lady of routine, certain times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When visiting, Mom loved Applebee’s Restaurant She always insisted, sticking to her mealtimes.

During the past ten years, we took trips to Portland, as well as to the Oregon Coast, which was her favorite. While in Oregon, she used her trip for shopping in the Portland department stores. When finished shopping, she would call me to pick her up or had the store personnel call saying that she was tired and it was time to head back to the hotel for a short nap, then head out to a Fancy restaurant.

Our trips to the coast were spontaneous, no reservations, just show up and negotiate rates.

It was great fun listening to her reminisce about family times back in the Fifties and Sixties when our families, along with other relatives, would head to the coast to cool off from the long hot wheat harvest at the end of Summer.

Mother was a napper for most of her life. taking daily naps for 45 minutes to an hour. Yes, she was stubborn at times, yet determined to get her way, which she always got.

During the past three years, mother was very adept with her walker while going out shopping and or dining.

During these final weeks I was very blessed and fortunate to be at her side along with her Caregiver Team!

Yes, Mom U lived very well these past 43 years without my Best Friend at your side, my Father, Gene! Now Finally rejoining him and his Family!

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Mountain View Cemetery, Walla Walla.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.