White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Dolores C. Kelley, 90 years old, of Independence, Iowa, and formerly of Breckenridge, Michigan, died on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  She was born on May 15, 1926, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and adopted by Henry Albert and Florence Edna (DeLong) Higby.  She graduated from high school in Breckenridge with the Class of 1943, and then, worked in Midland, MI.  On March 27, 1946, she and Kenneth Richard Kelley were married on a farm near Merrill, Michigan.

Mrs. Kelley was well known by her family and friends for her beautiful crocheted afghans, doilies, and dolls.  She could often be found gardening, sewing, baking, canning, and camping.  She was an active member of the Free Methodist Church in Wheeler, MI.  Mrs. Kelley volunteered in many roles throughout her life at church, with Veterans groups, and at the Senior Center.  She continued her volunteer work at Lexington Estate in Independence.  She read hundreds of books and donated dozens of crocheted projects to those in need.

Mrs. Kelley is survived by her husband of 71 years, Kenneth, 2 sons, Michael (Martina) Kelley of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and Alva (Bonnie) Kelley of Ithaca, MI, 1 daughter, Cheryl (Mark) Penne of Independence, Iowa, 12 grandchildren, Lori, Brian, Joseph, Jody, Matthew, Beth, Shirley, Allen, John, Karla, Natalie, and Emily, 19 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son, Kenny Kelley, 2 daughters-in-law, and 2 grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established for the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Cedar Valley Hospice, or the Independence Library Foundation. White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.