Born: Friday Apr-14-1939
Died: Thursday Sep-14-2023
Funeral: To Be Announced

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Retta Mae Kelley, a lifetime Burley resident, passed peacefully in her sleep September 14, 2023.  She was born April 14, 1939 as the first child to Murray Baum Walker and Thelda Jane (McBride) Walker.  She was later joined by siblings Janette, Kenneth, Dianne, Judy and Carrie.  Retta Mae was a Burley High graduate and married Kay Franks in 1957.  They had three children, Kaylyn, Kimalee and Kraig. She pursued a dream of being a hairstylist in 1969.  She was an acclaimed hairstylist, owning two salons and a beauty college.  She continued styling hair into her late 70’s.  

Retta Mae and Kay divorced in 1971.  A few  years later she met Charles (Chuck) Kelley Jr., the love of her life and they were married in 1973. Chuck had four children Sheri, Byron, Debra and Garon from a previous marriage. They owned and operated Spray Rite Inc, a crop dusting business.  Chuck was the pilot and Retta Mae was his field manager. It was not uncommon for her to be up at the break of dawn assisting Chuck and in the afternoons she was styling hair. They built their dream home in 1994, where she was able to use her gifts as an interior and landscape designer.  They hosted many gatherings at their little piece of paradise. 

Retta Mae was preceded in death by her daughter Kimalee, mother Thelda, father Murray and husband (Charles).  She is survived by her children Kaylyn Franks and Kraig Franks; step children, Sheri Kelly, Byron Kelley, Debra (Mark) Hansen and Garon (Theresa) Kelley. Granddaughters, Nicole (Dustin) Carson and Kambree (Brandon) Watson; step granddaughters, Jesse Kelley, Erica (Cody) Brixey, Kassity (Cody) Wilhelm, Blair (Drew) Banister; Grandson, Coltin (Hayli) Talbot; step grandsons, John Kelley, Rhett (Marissa) Kelley and Austin (Kristi) Laing; 6 great grandchildren and 9 step great grandchildren; siblings Jeannette Hogge, Kenneth (Deanne) Walker, Diann (Ray) Guiles, Judy (Bruce) Graf, and Carrie (Brian) Johnson.

Services will be held October 7, 2023 at 1:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2050 Normal Ave., Burley, Idaho 83318.  A graveside dedication and luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donating to your favorite charity.

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