Obituary of Willa Kelly

Willa Marguerite Kelly was born November 2, 1918 to Oscar C and Josephine Augusta (Hughes) Allen at their farm north of Genoa, Colorado. She attended the first four grades in Genoa and fifth through eighth grades at Ramsey School northwest of Genoa. Willa returned to Genoa for high school, graduating in 1937. In the fall of 1937 she moved to Hugo and was employed by the Agricultural Adjustment Administration at their office in the Lincoln County Courthouse. While working at the courthouse Willa met Claude Alvin Kelly and on September 1, 1940 they were married in Colorado Springs, CO by Willa’s brother Rev Cecil C. Allen. Claude and Willa made their home 8 miles southeast of Hugo where they raised five children. Claude passed away March 11, 1999 after more than fifty-eight years together and Willa remained in the family home, living by herself almost another twelve years. In 1949 Willa became a Charter member of the Big Sandy Extension Homemakers Club and served as an officer many times. This club remains active as Big Sandy Family and Community Educators. She was an active member of the Hugo United Methodist Church since 1939. Willa was preceded in death by her parents; husband Claude; brothers Cecil Allen, Carlos Allen, Basil Allen, Eelan Allen, Ellis Allen & Dean Allen; sister Lois Allen Robinson and daughter-in-law Stephanie Coats Kelly. Willa is survived by her sisters Georgia Link of Flagler and Sara Lee Spangler of Longmont; widows of her brothers: Peggy Allen of Colorado Springs, Donna Allen of Peyton and Jean Allen of Sun City West AZ; children Karen Dutro (Claud) of Englewood, Claudia Jean Kelly (Fred Welsh) of Aurora, Leon Kelly (Sue) of Hugo, Marlys Allis (Charles) of Hugo and Alvin Kelly (Joni) of Hugo; grandchildren Susan Dutro of Englewood, Linda Dutro Grundmeier of Littleton, Greg Noah (Julie) of Denver, Jennifer Noah Fautsko (Matt) of Glenwood Springs, Jamie Kelly Doi (Masao) of Albuquerque NM, Joshua Kelly (Heather) of Peyton, Laura Allis of Englewood, Mark Allis of Hugo, Dana Kelly McDaniel (Les) of Aurora, Allen Kelly (Crystal) of Hugo, and Sarah Kelly Blanski (Matt) of Colorado Springs; and 16 great-grandchildren. Willa’s life could be described as a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed working with her hands and who constantly read to expand her experiences and thoughts. Her most valuable possessions were a loving relationship with her husband and family and her greatest achievements were measured in the successes of her children. Willa was a positive influence on each life she touched, encouraging each person to be the best they could be. She leaves the world a better place for her having lived.