Barbara Lee Kelley

KELLEY, Barbara Lee, born June 26, 1933 in Phoenix, Arizona, passed quietly away on the morning of March 1, 2017, in Surprise, Arizona, surrounded by the three most special women in her life, daughter Leslie, and granddaughters Sara and Rachel. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Alice Rhodes, and by her brother Ted Rhodes. With her strong faith in God and His grace, she is with them again.

Barbara was a longtime resident of Ajo, Arizona, and a proud Arizona State Alumni, graduating with honors while receiving a degree in education. Barbara taught the fourth grade at the elementary school in Ajo for over 30 years, and was a positive influence on hundreds of young people. Barbara enjoyed poetry, reading, and desert picnics with family and friends. She also loved the beachfront view at the cabin in Cholla Bay, and most recently, spending summers in Heber, Arizona, to escape the heat. Barbara and husband Kay, were very active with the Ajo Elks Lodge and had many wonderful friends and events there over the years.

Barbara is survived by her husband Kay Douglas Kelley; daughter Leslie and her husband Johnny Pino; son, Doug and his wife Laura; and son Mark; by her grandchildren; Sara Boisvert, Michael Pino and his wife Kayla, and Rachel Hancock and her husband Vince. Barbara dearly loved her great-grandchildren, Tatum and Peyton Hancock, and Tyler and Kayla Boisvert. They gave her so much joy with their stories and frequent visits.

Arrangements for the Celebration of Life are currently being finalized. To sign the guestbook online, and to share your memories, send condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.