In Loving Memory Of Mary 'Beth' Kelley
Sept. 12, 1931 ~ Jan. 11, 2026
Mary 'Beth' Kelley, 94, of Littlefield, Texas, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Littlefield, Texas. She was born on September 12, 1931, in Tahoka, Texas to Charles 'Charlie' and Voila VeNoy Sanders.
Beth was one of two children in her household. She graduated from Springlake High School in 1948. Not long after, Beth married Jerry Kelley in August of 1948. Beth grew up in Earth, Texas and later moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico. She lived there for fifteen years. She and Jerry had two children. They brought their children up to be hardworking and loving. She was a faithful farm wife and hard worker on the farm. She was married to Jerry for sixty-eight wonderful years and then he went on to be with the Lord. She had been back in Littlefield for eighteen years. Beth found joy in being an avid crafter. She was creative and had many hobbies. She enjoyed painting, knitting, and crocheting. Beth loved playing cards, bridge in particular. She enjoyed the laughs made with her bridge group. Beth was quiet, but fierce in spirit and often would offer wise counsel.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Earth. She was a Baptist and lived her life grounded in faith. Beth made great memories, especially while fishing and camping. One of Beth and Jerry's passions included traveling in their RV. They both embraced the adventures and freedom of the open road. Beth was kind, witty, and deeply loved by all who knew her. She had a warm sense of humor and gained satisfaction in the smiles she received from others. Beth loved to make other people smile and laugh, especially her family. Her children blessed her with three grandchildren, seven greatgrandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and one on the way. They all gave her the name, Mimi. Beth had two best friends. She had been best friends with them for over seventy years. LaJuana O'Hair and Fay Miller held a special place in Beth's heart. Beth's kind spirit will remain the greatest memory for those who knew her.
Those left to cherish her memory are her two dearest children, Kirby Kelley and spouse, Gay of Fort Worth, Texas, and Norma Cotton and Gene of Littlefield, Texas; two grandchildren, Brad Cotton and spouse, Ellen of Shallowater, Texas, and Brady Kelley and spouse, Abby of Fort Worth, Texas; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; six greatgreat-grandchildren; and a special nephew, Jerrell Lee Haberer of Nashville, Tennessee.
Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Kelley; her parents, Charles 'Charlie' and Voila Venoy Sanders; her brother, J.A. Sanders; and her grandchild, Michelle Cotton.
Funeral services for Mary 'Beth' Kelley was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Grace Chapel within Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield, with Pastor Mike Kelley officiating. Interment was in Earth Memorial Cemetery in Earth, Texas. Serving as pallbearers were Brady Kelley, Brad Cotton, Mike Culp, Justin Cotton, Ryan Cotton, Joshua Jenkins, Aiden Curry, and Nik Gonzalez.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Littlefield EMS at PO Box 1267, Littlefield, Texas 79339, and Earth Memorial Cemetery at PO Box 523, Earth, Texas 79031.
Arrangements were under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas.