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Penny Kelley Obituary
Penny was a talented artist and musician, as well as a motorcycle enthusiast. In 1965 she began teaching High School Art classes in Spokane. Later, she returned to Ellensburg where she continued to teach and be adored by her students until she decided to join the family business.
Penny worked at Button Jewelers with her mother and sister, then eventually with her husband and children. She loved working downtown and getting to know the people in the community. After she retired in 2005, she would occasionally drive by the jewelry store and say, "The only thing I miss about working is the people." She meant it.
Penny loved Ellensburg-the people of Ellensburg, and the memories she created while living amongst them. She was a free spirit and encouraging guide-first to her art students, then later in life, to her students at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School where she continued to teach her specialty-arts and crafts.
Penny loved the Lord, her family, church family and friends. In addition to teaching the children at church, she also played the organ for their services. Eventually times changed. The organ was replaced by a keyboard, but Penny kept playing until it was no longer physically possible. Her last service at the keyboard was Christmas Eve this past December.
In October, 2010, Penny was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. At home, on February 3rd, 2011, she went to be with Jesus, surrounded by her family.
Penny was an amazing woman who was loved deeply by her family and those who knew her. In the months before she passed, she made certain everyone knew where she was going, and how they could someday find her. Even so, she will be missed terribly until we see her again.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Evelyn Button, and her infant brother. She is survived by her husband, Michael Kelly-loving husband and friend for forty years, her children, Tim Hatzenbeler (Lisa), Michael Kelly Jr. (Selina), and EvieMae (Kelly) Schuetz (Peter), her sister, Gaye Wood (Jerry), her grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Aaron, Brandt, Holden, Wyatt, Ainsley, Peter, Ted and Franka, her beloved nephews and nieces, Frank (Kristen), Doug (Stacy), Craig (Nici), and her great nieces and nephews, Natasha, Logan, Madison, Jackson, Clayton and Abby.
Nothing was more important to Penny than her family, friends, and God. She rests in His arms now, but will forever be in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held for Penny at the Family Christian Center in Ellensburg, WA on Wednesday, February 9th, at 11:00AM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Penny Kelley
susan selix
January 30, 2019
I think of Penny quite often. I think of her family who cherished her so dearly. I remember the time she called me and asked me to sing with her! I often recall our meetings at Weight Watchers and her wonderful and endearing personality that made me laugh! She was a blessing to all who knew her! I miss her often and know she is in heaven and making my daughter, Jayne, laugh just like she did me!
February 14, 2011
Thank You Mom. Words can't express how much you loved us and how much of yourself you gave to all of us. Most of all I thank you for caring about our eternity. I know you are already enjoying yours. I miss you. Goodbye until I see you again. Mikie
Susan (Wippel) Selix
February 10, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Penny's passing. I dearly loved the family and Penny was always a "bright star". She will be greatly missed by all who knew her! My sympathies to her family.
Allen Faltus
February 9, 2011
I have known Penny all my life. We grew up on Craig's hill and played together as small children. In grade school there was a big group of us all about the same age that lived there. We spent a lot of time at Penny's house as they had a tennis court and a great rec room. I still have great memories of those times like they were yesterday. Just as Dick Baker mensioned, we all spent time on the Button Boat and had great times for many summers at Birch Bay. Penny was a good friend and a great Lady. I will miss her.
February 7, 2011
Penny will be missed by many people, Jerry and I included. We so enjoyed the times she stopped by our place while she was riding past on her motorcycle. She at times even had her lilttle dog ,Annie, in a basket or pouch in front of her. Annie was even wearing little round googles. Penny let us all know that she believed and trusted in Jesus . All of us who have asked Jesus to be our Savior, will get to see Penny again some day. Phyllis Marchel----Ellensburg, Wa.
February 7, 2011
Penny will be missed by many people, Jerry and I included. We so enjoyed the times she stopped to see us while she was riding her motorcycle by our place. She even at times had her Annie (her dog)in front of her in a basket or pouch. Annie was even wearing little round googles to protect her eyes. (so cute) Penny was a special person and we feel so blessed to have known her. Her love for Jesus was so evident. We who believe in Jesus as our Savior will see her again someday!!! Phyllis Marchel, Ellensburg,Wa.
Sheila Johnson
February 7, 2011
Mike & family, I always enjoyed visiting with Penny in the store. She had a great attitude and a genuine care for people. We often talked about our love for our Savior. She was a comfort to me when I lost my husband. Penny is smiling in her Savoir's presence.
February 7, 2011
I will miss Penny. I have since the Button's family retired. I worked for them for a while and always felt like family while working for them. I will greatly miss Penny but will always remember her visits, when she brought her cute little dog in. Melissa Stripes, Ellensburg, Wa.
Marsha Hansen
February 6, 2011
For Mike & Family,
We go way back, When Mikee and Evie were just toddler's. David and Myself went to your house everyday to babysit. Always remeber you at Button's with her whole hearted laugh and smile. My dad Joe Carney, will keep her in safe hands with the lord.
Love ya
Marsha Carney Hansen
Debbie Gilson
February 6, 2011
We all loved Penny, she had such a huge loving heart, I don't think I ever heard her say an unkind word. She was an example for us all, she lived what she believed.She set an example for us all to live by. Penny you will be missed
I hope you are settling into heaven nicely, Mom. I miss you.
EvieMae Schuetz
February 6, 2011
Dick Baker
February 5, 2011
Although I lost touch with Penny many years ago, In my early teenage years I spent alot of time with both she and Gaye. I lived very near to them and I will never forget the fun times we spent. From watching Liberace on sunday nights to going to Seattle to go on their fathers boat, which just so happened to be called the Gaye Penney. I will never forget her and I know she has a special place in Heaven.
Dick Baker
Laurie Goad Wilson
February 5, 2011
My sincere sympathy to all of Penny's family. From the time we met in grade school, Penny was always a delightful surprise to be around--quiet, but very perceptive. My favorite memory with her is of a day trip around Puget Sound on the Buttons' sail boat when we were in the 9th grade. Penny and I had to spend part of that day working on her algebra!! -- Laurie Goad Wilson
Amy Holdeman
February 5, 2011
Penny was always so encouraging and full of life! She will be missed.
February 5, 2011
Penny was full of life, life lived well. And she is now living it to the ultimate fullest. My prayers go out to her family, who will miss her so.
Judi Thomas (Cortes)
February 4, 2011
Penny was the familiar, friendly and welcoming face I saw each time I was in Button's Jewelers. She always had a smile and a word for you, even when she was busy. A salt-of-the-earth lady who will be missed - thank you, Penny, for making Ellensburg a better place.
Jackie Charlton
February 4, 2011
Penny was a lovely woman with a generous heart and easy smile. My condolences to her family. Looking forward to seeing her again!
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