Mildred Kelley
Mildred Geneva Gilbertson Kelley, 90, passed away after battling a series of illnesses, on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory.
Millie was born on Jan. 21, 1928, in Fennimore, Wi., the daughter of the late Oscar and Nellie Gilbertson.
Millie was a graduate of University of Wisconsin, La Crosse with a degree in education. Shortly after graduating from college, she and several of her classmates left for Los Angeles, Ca., to teach school. She met her husband of 43 years, Perry Kelley, while teaching school in Los Angeles. Together, they lived in Dallas, Tx., Arlington Heights, Il., and opened businesses in Chattanooga in 1977. Millie relocated to Conover, after the passing of her husband in 1999.
Millie was always very active and enjoyed golf, working in her yard and was actively involved in several senior groups and her church, Faith Lutheran Church in Conover.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters, Evelyn Keilman, Joyce Presney, Gordon Gilbertson, Eldon Gilbertson, Glen Gilbertson, Virgil Gilbertson and Royce Gilbertson, all of the state of Wisconsin.
She is survived by her sons, Mike Kelley and wife, Patti, Sherrills Ford; Dan Kelley and wife, Janet of Woodstock, Ga.; grandson, David Kelley, wife, Courtney and great-grandson, Caleb of Cohasset, MA; grandson, Ryan Kelley of Mount Pleasant, SC; grandson, Derek Kelley of Atlanta; grandson, Jake Kelley of Mount Pleasant, SC; grandson, Drew Kelley of Chattanooga, along with many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 439 7th Street Place SW, Conover, NC 28613.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.