Iva Ellen Kelly

Iva Ellen (Shelton) Kelly was born October 2, 1932, to Ted and Margaret (Zimmerman) Shelton in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She left this world to join her heavenly Father on November 24, 2024, in Calera, Oklahoma, at the age of 92.

Iva graduated from Okmulgee High School and then continued her education at Oklahoma State Tech. She married the love of her life, Gerald S. Kelly on December 23, 1951, and left school to help her husband prepare for pastoral ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University. Together they had two sons, Mark and Brian. Iva enjoyed being a homemaker and, for more than 60 years, a pastor’s wife. Some of her favorite pastimes were fine arts, church missions, teaching the Bible and gardening.

She enjoyed many favorite vacation spots, including the Taos Pueblos in New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns, and Pike’s Peak. Two of her greatest achievements in life were touring New York City with the Key Notes choir of Okmulgee High School and Romania with the Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma. Gerald and Iva were Southern Baptists and served churches in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

Iva was preceded in death by her husband and her brother, Donald Ted Shelton.

She is survived by many who will forever hold her in their hearts: sons, Mark (Susan) Kelly and Brian (Teri) Kelly; sister, Rose Ann (John) Laymon; sister, Rita Risenhoover; sister-in-law, Dana Shelton; 4 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

The family asks that memorial donations be made in Iva’s name to the Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, c/o Oklahoma Baptists, 3800 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Phone number (405) 942-3800.

A visitation for Iva will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 1:45 PM at Sharon Baptist Church, 19002 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, OK 74801. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 19002 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, OK 74801. A committal service will occur Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Tecumseh Cemetery, 18800 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, OK 74801.