Cheryll Doreen Kelly

Beloved by her family, friends, and business clients, Cheryll Doreen Kelly, 62, was born in Port Angeles, Washington. One of her favorite early memories is of surf fishing for smelt with her Aunt Iris. Cheryll’s high school years were spent at Tumwater High near Olympia, Washington. Not only was she a proficient library page who finished high school early, but Cheryll enjoyed riding horses bareback and mucking out a barn.

Then along came a U.S. forest ranger named Clint Kelly who kept requesting ever more obscure books in order to keep the librarian busy on his behalf. It was love at first sight and before long the two married en route to an adventurous life in the snowy wilds of Canada’s prairies and wilderness waterways. Cheryll raised two boys and two girls in a small house in sometimes 40 below weather while her husband canoed historic fur trade routes with students from an all-male boarding school.

Once she had her kids raised and the family moved to Everett, Cheryll started Action Business Services and provided bookkeeping expertise for a number of private clients and small businesses in the Seattle and Everett areas. She was a popular tax pro for H&R Block for more than 20 years and built her reputation with more than 500 clients, a few of whom drove many miles out of their way to have their taxes done by Cheryll. She liked to give added value by sometimes providing food and clothes out of her car trunk if someone had need, and was known to deliver tax records to clients with limited mobility, and at no charge.

Cheryll could devour a stack of mystery novels, loved puzzles and games, and would do anything to be surrounded by her family. Her quick wit and ability to solve a crime story faster than anyone kept family on their toes.

A constant encourager, she liked to nod and smile along with the singing of hymns and loved a good Gospel rendition of old favorites.

Adored by her husband, her children, and five grandchildren, Cheryll was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, led the youth group, and helped with the flower committee. She loved God with her whole being, a strong trust that carried her through a 7 ½ year fight with breast cancer. In later years the cancer metastasized to her lungs and though it was not to be, she had every intention of performing her tax role again next season.

Her favorite flowers were fragrant pink carnations. An excellent cook, Cheryll bagged her husband with a meal of Cornish game hens stuffed with wild rice.The Kelly family cannot be more thankful for the loving and capable care she received at the Everett Cancer Center and Providence Hospital – Everett. God bless you all.

Even in death, Cheryll’s legacy of generosity and encouragement were a blessing to many. An eye bank donor, her corneas gave sight to two members of the blind community. As well, she supported students on mission trips and was game to try white water rafting and hot air ballooning.

Cheryll is survived by her husband of 44 years; sons Shane Kelly (Jessica) and Nathan Kelly (Dodie); daughters Stephanie Hjorten (Erik) and Amy Holowaty (Chris); grandchildren Lars, Else, Grace, Kenzie, and Courtney; great-granddaughter Aubree; and brother David Inman of Idaho.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2531 Hoyt Ave., Everett, WA 98201, August 29, 2015 at 2 p,m. All are welcome to attend. Gifts may be made in Cheryll’s name to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Please sign the Guest Book at www.schaefershipmanfuneral.com.