Claire Nell Kelley

Louisburg, KS (formerly of Ava, MO)

Claire Nell Kelley, 86 years old, passed peacefully on August 4, 2023, with her family by her side in Olathe, Kansas.

Claire was born December 14, 1936 in Drury, MO to Louie and Imogene Henderson.  After graduating from Gainesville High School, the family moved to Kansas City, MO, where she worked as a copy girl for the Kansas City Star and then an operator for Southwestern Bell.  While at the Star, she married Ray Corey, working and raising four kids. After a stint at Weyerhauser Lumber Company, Claire returned to Southwestern Bell, eventually relocating to Wichita, KS.

In October 1980, Claire and Doyle Kelley married, joining their two families.

Claire retired from Southwestern Bell in 1995, having worked in both the Lincoln and Broadway offices as an Area Manager-Operator Services. She and Doyle returned to the Ava area to enjoy the Ozarks they loved, moving to Louisburg, KS in 2021 to be closer to family.

She was a member of the Ava Baptist Church and P.E.O.

Claire's passions were family, reading, and she was a master quilter. Her beautiful quilts were gifted to every member of the family. She and Doyle enjoyed traveling – he would drive while she quilted.

Claire is survived by her husband, Doyle; her children, Randy (Kristen) Corey, Dan (Teri) Corey, Tanya (Steve) Glennon and Lee (Don) Wadsworth; two stepsons, Brad (Helen) Kelley and Jeff (Candace) Kelley; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren.

A graveside celebration of life service will be Saturday, August 12, 1:00 p.m., at the Ava Cemetery, Ava, MO.   Visitation Friday, August 11, 6:00-7:30, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.

Memorials may be made to Ozark County Volunteer Library, Gainesville, MO (PO Box 518, Gainesville MO  65655). Denlow Cemetery, Henderson Cemetery

Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.