Obituary of Norma Jean Kelly

Norma Jean Kelly, 88, of Calhan peacefully entered eternal life on Sunday, June 25, 2017. Jean was born on May 3, 1929 in Fondis, Colorado to William & Flossie (Masters) Beaman. Jean began school in Fondis, later graduating from Calhan Union High. On May 23, 1947 she married Hugh (Toad) Kelly of Peyton and to this union five gregarious daughters were born. From 1947 to 1962 Jean, Toad and daughters lived on a dairy farm north of Peyton. She was a member of the Peyton Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in a triple trio. Throughout the years Jean made many friends being involved in various community organizations and activities; Home Extension Club, Just Sew Club, Calhan United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, the Nerts and Bridge Card Clubs. In September, 1961 Jean and Toad opened Calhan Cash Auction Market and then moved their family to Calhan in June 1962. After Toad’s death in 2002, Jean remained in their family home until 2012 when her health started failing. After many years of running a successful business together Jean and Toad sold Calhan Cash Auction Market. The friendships that flourished over the years were one of her most valued treasures, preceded only by her family and her faith in God. She spent endless hours at her sewing machine, first out of necessity and later for enjoyment creating perfection in everything she made. In her later years, Jean chose to spend her time helping and enjoying her family. She delighted in attending her grandchildren’s various activities—both near and far. Jean took great pride in her family and gave her love not only to her daughters, but also, her five sons-in-law. Her love had no end, continuing on to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Survivors are her five daughters and their families: Pauline and Harry Mikita, Janie and Junior Manyik, Wilma and Kent Greenwood, Shirley and Don Pettrow, Ruth and Stan Wrobleski, 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren; brother Dale Beaman and his wife Phyllis and sister-in-law Eva Beaman along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Hugh; her parents; two sisters; three brothers and two infant grandsons.