Eileen "Vonnie" L. Kelley

Vonnie was born on April 25, 1930 to Raymond and Mabel Wegge, joining two older sisters, Dolores and Lois with Evelyn two years later. They lived in North Dakota until 1946 when they moved to Coulee City for construction work and she met her future husband and the love of her life, George Kelley.

George and Vonnie were married on October 23, 1948 and they welcomed their son, Charles, in 1950, a baby boy and girl in 1953 and 1955 and their daughter, Christine, in 1958.

Family and her faith were very important to Vonnie and she was very involved in the Hartline PTA and the St. Patrick's Altar Society, Hartline Community Days and she helped when her children were smaller with 4-H. Vonnie also loved to bowl and she bowled in leagues for several years in Almira.

She and George travelled all over until health issues stopped longer travels. Her favorite place was the ocean with all her family.

Vonnie is survived by her son, Charles (Barbara) Kelley, daughter, Christine(Gary)Erickson,

grandchildren Courtney (Dan) Kroymann, Oliver and Emily - with whom Vonnie shares a birthday!, Taylor (Hollie) Kelley, Jayden and Savannah, Charles (Timi) Erickson, Grace, Noah and Hudson and granddaughter Kara Erickson as well as step¬grandchildren Natalie Ragan and family and Stormy Hall and boys.

Vonnie loved to sing and dance. She was known to drink a beer or two, loved to play the slot machines and she could play a mean game of Spite and Malice, Hand and Foot and Wahoo.

Vonnie's greatest joys were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was little she wouldn't do for them and they brightened her days and made her smile and giggle. The smile on her face on April 18, 2023 when she was brought to the maternity ward to see her last great grandson, Hudson was priceless. A moment to treasure forever.

Vonnie is preceded in death by her husband, George, 2 children, parents Raymond and Mabel, step father Sanford Bakken and all her sisters and spouses as well as other loved family and friends.

Vonnie was a gentle soul with never a bad word about anyone. She was also a great sport with an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile.

A special thank you to all the staff at Coulee Medical Center Long Term Care Unit. It was very evident that she was well loved and cared for by professionals that considered her family. Her last days with filled with love by all.

Memorials can be made to Hartline Cemetery District #3 PO Box 155 Hartline, WA 99135.

A Recitation of the Rosary will held for Vonnie at 7:00PM, Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Holy Angels Mission, McEntee St & Douglas Street in Coulee City WA. Her Memorial Mass will follow at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 8, 2023. Vonnie’s urn will be placed next to her beloved George this next spring at Hartline Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com for Vonnie’s family. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA is caring for her family.