Barbara Poshepny Kelley

Barbara Poshepny Kelley, known affectionately as “Peanut”, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023 surrounded by her family in Houston, Texas. Peanut loved us all unconditionally for 101 years. She was born October 14, 1921, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Commander John C. Poshepny, USN, Ret and Isabel Mary Veneziano Poshepny of Agana, Guam.

Barbara grew up in Kenwood, California and was educated at Ursuline Academy in Santa Rosa, California and Lone Mountain College for Women in San Francisco, California. Barbara met the love of her life, Charles Ray Kelley, at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas where they were married June 19, 1943. They were blessed with five children.

She is survived by her sister, Isabel Rienecker, and children Barbara O’Connell (Bill), Mary Wehr (Marty), Charles Ray Kelley, Jr. (Consuelo), and Margaret White. Her surviving grandchildren are Suzanne Boone (Steven), James F. Shuford, Jr. (Kelley), Charles K. Shuford (Claudia), Amy Dillemuth, Elizabeth D. Gustafson (Rob), Angela Stevenson (Scott), Michelle Rozek (Isaiah), Richard Kelley, Michael Kelley, Allen Grant (Katie), Jessica White, Benjamin White, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her daughter Cecilia Zuspan, her grandson Fred Dillemuth, and brothers Duke, Tony, and Tommy Poshepny.

The family also wishes to thank Steve Small, Susanna Gutierrez, Pat Shalamanov, Peggy DeSola, Greenwood Pre-School friends, the knitting groups from St. Dunstan’s and St. Martin’s Episcopal Churches for their love as well as numerous friends who kept in touch with Peanut all these years.

A memorial service celebrating Peanut’s life will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th Street in the Heights on May 19, 11:30 am

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amedisys Hospice Care or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Kelley family.