Allen Ray Kelly

Allen R. “Ray” Kelly, 88, died Oct. 16, 2009 in Libby from natural causes.

He was born Oct. 1, 1921 in Hampden, N.D., to Thomas and Maud (Peon) Kelly. He was raised in the Hampden community and graduated from Hampden High School.

Mr. Kelly worked in the Hampden area until he enlisted in the armed forces in 1942.  He served in the Army Air Force from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1945 and later re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1947. He was honorably discharged in 1950.

After leaving the service, he married Colleen Aldrich, had four sons and they later divorced in 1989. After living for several years in California, Mr. Kelly moved with his family to Post Falls, Idaho, where he worked for Louisiana Pacific until his retirement. He moved to Gary, S.D., where he lived with his brother and then moved to Libby to be closer to family.

Mr. Kelly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching baseball and football and playing poker with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; five brothers; and his infant son, Donald.

He is survived by sons, Alan and wife, Teri Kelly, of Libby; Doug and wife, Marissa Kelly, of Atlanta, Ga.; and Mike Kelly of Rathdrum, Idaho; grandchildren, Allen Kelly of California; Brandi and Martin Keegan of California; Amy and Nick Wyman of Idaho; Jill and Gary Beach of Montana; John Kelly of Alaska; Mckinsey Kelly of Idaho; Trevor Kelly of Montana; Jonathon, Christian and Charissa Kelly of Georgia; Brett, Randi and Danni Kelly of Idaho; great-grandchildren Morgan Williams of Idaho; McKenna and Kyle Kelly of Idaho; and two sisters, Julie Berg of Minnesota and Vivian Harpster of North Dakota.

Services will be Thursday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home Chapel,

422 W. Second St in Libby.