Obituary: Fern Kelly

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Fern Kelly died peacefully at home April 14th. She was born Fern Williamson to Mabel and Al in Visalia, California where she grew up in the large farmhouse, garden, and walnut orchards of Visalia Orchard Company. She met her future husband, land surveyor Hugh Kelly at UC Berkeley in 1950. They were married at Carmel Mission and raised their family in Eureka. Fern and Hugh loved entertaining friends and together they became consummate hosts. Fern was known for her elegant taste in clothes, her fine cooking skills (she collected hundreds of cookbooks), and her determination to do what she believed was right. But what endeared her to so many was her warm and sincere friendship and genuine interest in listening to each person's story. She is also remembered for her enduring positive attitude and beautiful smile, including during her final four years with breast cancer. It can easily be said that the great tragedy of her life was the untimely loss of her daughter, Kris. As she wished, a memorial service will be held later in the coming year, and as she wished, people are asked to give to the charity of their choice . She was preceded in death by her husband Hugh in 2011. Fern is survived by her sister Jean Ratcliffe and family, her children Deb Kelly (Don Shute), Denise Kelly (Chuck Fernandez), and Sam Kelly; grandchildren Justin Kelly (Julie), and Lorien Lowe; and great-granddaughters Teagan and Ayla. Deb Kelly is collecting names of those who would like to attend a celebration of life at the family home. Please leave contact information in a phone message at 503-246-6690. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com under Obituaries.