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Doris Kelley

    Doris Elizabeth Hamilton Kelley of Mexico, died at 11:15 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Golden Living Center/Pin Oaks, ending her long struggle with cancer. She was 73 years old.

   She was born October 20, 1935, the only child of Doris H. and Elizabeth Wilheminia (Floerchinger) Hamilton. On August 30, 1980 in Mexico, she married Gerald E. Kelley, Sr. who survives at the home.

   Doris lived most of her life in Mexico, the granddaughter of Jim Hamilton, a nationally known saddle horse breeder, on the Blue Grass Stock Farm south of Mexico. Upon retiring with 29 years of service at the A.P. Green Refractories, she began volunteering with the Audrain Medical Center Auxiliary, holding many offices through the years from Treasurer to President and was a member of the board. Mrs. Kelley had recently resigned from her elected positions on the AMC and Audrain Ambulance Boards due to her illness. Doris had also been a member of BPW, Republican Club, Presser Hall Restoration Society, Golden K Kiwanis Club, Audrain County Historical Society, Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliary, and had served as a Chamber Ambassador. She was a member of the MHS class of 1953 and frequently served on the committee for class reunions.

   Mrs. Kelley was cremated and will be placed in the columbarium at Valhalla Chapel of Memories in St. Louis.

   A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at the Old Country Church on the grounds of the Audrain County Historical Complex with Rev. Robert H. Marty officiating. There will be no visitation.

   In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the AMC Auxiliary or to the Audrain Humane Society. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Public Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy

Gerald & The rest of the Kelley family - I am so sorry for your loss. I came to know Doris through working for the American Cancer Society. She was such a kind and generous person, always helping others out. I have a great picture of Doris and Gerald on my desk. I am in the middle, and they are on either side with their arms around me. When people came into my office, they always asked if that was a picture of my grandparents. Technically, it wasn't, but I am proud to consider both Doris and Gerald friends (and grandparents) as well as volunteers. I remember after Doris was diagnosed with cancer and she carried the torch around the track at the Audrian Relay for her first lap as a cancer survivor. What a fighting spirit she had! Doris will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. There will be a day when cancer doesn't do this to people.

Gerald, and friend, so sorry for your loss. I worked with Doris on the Relay for Life Steering Committee. I will pray for your family at this difficult time. Laurie Snyder

To Gerald and Kelley family John and I want to send our condolences to the family. I worked with Doris at A.P. Green's and we had become friends. She was always smiling and very happy. She always had something good to say about everyone. She was a hard worker and she will always be remembered for her wonderful smile. She is now at peace and free of her cancer. Doris will be missed by all that knew her. John and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. John W. Sr and Evelyn M. (Bruner)-Brown.

To Gerald Kelley and family: Those of us associated with Moberly Area Community College and the Advanced Technology Center wish to offer our sincere condolences on the death of Doris Kelley. We remember her interest in and her support of the Advanced Technology Center; her supportive presence at many of the open houses and other college events; and her quiet way of recognizing and supporting the education of young people in the Mexico community. She understood the value of the Advanced Technology Center for the Mexico area. We will miss her. --Evelyn E. Jorgenson, president of MACC

Gerald and friends. Our sympathy goes out to you. Harold and Mary Lou Enslen

Gerald & Family: I will always remember how sweet and wonderful Doris always was, she always had a wonderful smile and positive outlook on life. I remember how she always had a little story to tell about her beloved animals. I enjoyed working with her in the PA office several years ago. Through the years, she never failed to remember to send Christmas cards to keep in touch, I will miss her. May God bless all of you, I will keep all of you in my prayers. --Joyce Robinson

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