Obituary: Patsy Kelly

Patsy Kelly went to meet her Lord on October 25, 2022, surrounded by family who loved her so much. There was a viewing on Nov. 1, and she was laid to rest at the Shafter Cemetery on Nov. 2.

Patsy was born on Aug. 14, 1941, in Boonesville, Ark., to Johnny Mae Milam and W.D. Milam.

They moved to Shafter when Patsy was a small girl. Patsy grew up in the North Camp homes, beginning in the large tent homes, eventually going into the regular houses in the labor camp.

Patsy loved sports, especially softball, which she had a passion for her entire life. She always had to have the regional sports channels on her TV so she could watch her college softball games. She also had a passion for westerns, gardening and reading her Bible. You could see her every day reading a bit from her Bible, sitting in her chair, reading scriptures.

Her love of the Lord was followed closely by her love of her family. The love of her life, Terry James Kelly, proposed and they were married for 52 years, until Terry's passing in 2010.

They loved traveling to the beach, where they would take their children, Karen, Marlene and Nancy, every year for a month or longer, staying in their camper at the local campground in Oceano.

Patsy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She doted on her family, keeping them close and being their biggest supporters.

One example of her commitment to family was her time she spent with her sister Joyce, who became ill with cancer. Patsy traveled up north and was with her, helping to care for her, be there for her, and love her until her passing.

Patsy was predeceased by her sisters Joyce and Marine, her brothers R.D. and Billy, and her parents, as well as her son Terry Dean Kelly.

Patsy touched so many lives in her time here on earth, including family, friends and her long-time friends from church.

She will be surely missed, but we know that we will be seeing her again. We also rejoice in the fact that she has been reunited with her Terry James. Until we meet again, we love you Patsy.