Obituary for Ruth Kelle

Ponca City Now - July 31, 2023 6:27 pm

Ruth L. Kelle

May 21, 1925 – July 30, 2023

Ruth Lorraine Gillespie Kelle passed to her eternal heavenly home July 30, 2023, from Via Christi Village, Ponca City, Oklahoma, at the age of 98 years, two months, nine days.

Ruth was born on May 21, 1925, in Autwine, Oklahoma, to William Reese Adison and Lora Ethel (Harden) Gillespie. She attended Round Grove and Prairie Home Grade Schools and graduated Blackwell High School in 1943. Ruth married the love of her life, Wilbert Kelle on November 10, 1944, and was blessed with seven children whom they raised on a dairy farm seven miles east of Blackwell.

Ruth was baptized and confirmed April 8, 1945, and became a life long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ponca City.

In her spare time, Ruth enjoyed crocheting, traveling, reading, fishing, playing cards and spending time with her family. Ruth dearly loved her family and was proud of their accomplishments.

She is survived by children, Karen Smith (Fred) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Beverly Gordon of Lawton, Glenda Pierce (Donnie) of Ponca City, Janette Maddox of Catoosa, Nancy Johnson of Ponca City, Roger Kelle (Linda) of Ponca City, and Norma Shields (Darrell) of Nardin; twenty grandchildren; and several great and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Wilbert Kelle; two sisters and seven brothers.

Funeral services are scheduled for 9:00 a.m., Saturday, August 5th in the St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Joseph Highley of St. John’s Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Travis Rowe, Shannon Gordon, Jake Pierce, Chance Miller, Troy Crowell, Josh Kelle, Jared Kelle and Tyson Shields. Honorary casketbearers will be Corey Rowe, Justin Rowe, Rusty Crowell, Shawn Crowell, Kody Crowell and Chase Crowell.