Carol E. Kelley, 93, of Independence, IA died Friday, March 30, 2018 at Buchanan County Health Center Hospice Unit in Independence, IA.

She was born on May 12, 1924, in Independence, IA the daughter of Charles W. and Elsie V. (Boyack) Devens. She was a 1942 graduate of Independence High School. On April 29, 1946 she married the love of her life, James E. Kelley in St. John’s Catholic Church Parsonage in Independence, IA. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, People’s Hospital Auxiliary, and the Red Hat Society. She also spent several years serving on the Library Board at the Independence Library.

She enjoyed sewing and spending time with friends. She loved going out to many local restaurants for lunch, with Jim and friends called the “Birthday Club.”

Carol is survived by a daughter Alanna (Larry) Kerns Ridgeway, MO and three grandchildren; Chris, Bryan and Erin Miller, and two great grandchildren; Braygen and Braylee Miller, an adopted daughter Wendy (Richard) Sperfslage and family, Winthrop, IA, and a brother Charles Devens, Dubuque, IA, and special K-9 friend BoTy.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 71 years James Kelley, who died November 8, 2017, and a cousin Esther Baqenstos-Sawers

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 11 AM at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA, with Sharon Bainbridge officiating. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Winthrop, IA. Friends may visit from 5 PM until 7 PM on Monday, April 2, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory.

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