Ruth E. Kelsey (mother of Barbara Oehlke) died peacefully at Wesley Willows, April 17, 2013. She was predeceased by her first husband, Milo Willard in 1948, and second husband Carleton Kelsey in 2009. She is survived by brother Richard Van Keuren, Oshkosh, WI & her 6 children: David (Lorrie) Willard, Plantation, FL; Barbara (Roger) Oehlke, Rockford, IL; Martha Retman, Seattle, WA; Todd (Jill Levy) Kelsey, Stoney Creek, NY; Virginia (Gary) Harmara, Toronto, Canada; and Mary Beth Kelsey, Oakland, CA. There are 14 grandchildren: Emily & Katie Willard, Megan, Quinn, & Khanh Oehlke, Sonnet & Mischa Retman; Eric, Tzeitel, & Yarrow Kelsey, & Kirsten, Mischa, Kelsey Hamara, as well as 14 great-grandchildren with one more due in May.
Ruth was a former math & science teacher in Baraboo & Delavan, WI. She was especially fulfilled by her life dedicated to a welcoming home and heart. Her 6 children were always welcome to invite their friends for dinner and extended stays. Foreign exchange students and teachers lived with the family for as long as a year at time. Ruth was also a certified foster parent for many children. There was always room at the table for one more because she was an exceptional cook. After retirement, she and Carl became world travelers to all 7 continents and presented programs on their travels.
There will be a brief memorial service
on Tuesday, April 23, at 1:30 in the Anderson Chapel at the Hunt Terrace (lower back level) at Wesley Willows. The family will have a private service at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund in Ruth Kelsey’s name at Wesley Willows, 4141 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL. 61103. Cremation arrangements were handled by Collins and Stone.
