Audrey D. Kelley • 1934 - 2009

Audrey D. Kelley, 74, Minot, died Sunday, February 08, 2009 in a Minot hospital.

Audrey Darlene Iverson was born on February 28, 1934, a daughter of Eddie and Elsie (Hochsprung) Iverson in Turtle Lake, ND. She was raised in the Velva & Ruso area attending high school in Velva. Audrey spent one year of school in Seattle, WA while her father worked in the shipyards from 1944 & 1945. A daughter Nadine was born in 1951.
In 1953 she was united in marriage to Harley Gutknecht. Two sons were born to this
union, Neal & Nevoy. This marriage ended in divorce. Audrey worked at various jobs in Minot, including Charlie's Café, Gordon's Holiday Spot and also drove Taxi.

In 1961 she was united in marriage to Edward J. "Frank" Kelley. Three children were born to this union. Bruce, Brenda & Tanya. Frank was stationed in Karmursel, Turkey, where the family lived for two years before being transferred to San Angelo, TX for two years. Frank was then transferred to Karachi, Pakistan. Audrey and the family returned to Minot, ND where she found her true artistic calling as the Arts & Craft Director at Minot AFB retiring in 2001. She received numerous awards among them the 1992 AFMWRS outstanding Skill Development Program Award and for outstanding support of the Air Force General Curtis E. LeMay Team.

Audrey was very gifted in any artistic medium. She enjoyed painting in oils, acrylic and water color. She made beautiful ceramics and pottery. She enjoyed fishing and spending time on the water. Her children and grandkids have many fond memories of fishing with Mom & Grams.

Those who shared her life:
Children: Nadine (C.J.) Craven, Minot: Nevoy (Susan) Gutknecht OK, Bruce (Sharon) Kelley, OK: Brenda Kelley, NC. Tanya (Kelly) Fox, New Town; Eric (Rikki) Kelley, Minot; grandchildren: Jason (Crystal) Cordato, Christine (Scott) Steier, Joseph Craven, Dawn Gutknecht, Eveylnn Kelley, Christian and Teri Kelley; great-grandchildren: Marcy Schultz, Kyla & Edward Joseph (EJ) Steier; great-great grandchild: Kobi Schultz; sisters: Wanda Mikkelson in Minot; aunt: Adaline Smith in Austin, TX
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Audrey was preceded in death by a son Neal Kelley, parents Elsie & Eddie Iverson and infant sister Maryann.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal, however, friends may sign a register book on Thursday from 9:30 until service time at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Memorial service: Thursday, February 12, 2009, at 11 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Officiant: Rev. Gerald Roise

Music: Congregational hymns
"Soon and Very Soon"
"Shall We Gather At The River"
Marie Hagen-Bourquin and Nadine Holmly musicians to offer:
"Amazing Grace"
"Que Sera, Sera"

Honorary Bearers: Audrey's family and friends

Final Resting Place: A private family burial will take place at a later time.

Immediately following the memorial service there will be lunch and fellowship in the lower level of the church. All are welcome to join the family for this time.

The Kelley family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May God bless the memory of Audrey.

To sign the online guest register for Audrey
To view the online guest register for Audrey

To view the inside of Audrey's folder
To view the outside of Audrey's folder

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