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BORN
1947
DIED
2005
Sally Kelso Obituary
Sally Ann Kelso had roles on TV shows in 1960s and '70s.
By Dick Stanley
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Sally Ann Kelso, a gregarious woman with a glowing personality, was a television character actress in the 1960s and 1970s before she came to Austin.
Kelso, married to Austin American-Statesman columnist John Kelso for almost 25 years, died Tuesday at Seton Medical Center after a long struggle with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was 58.
"She could light up a room just by being there," John Kelso said.
She was born Sally Ann Richards in 1947 in Indianapolis. Her father was a World War II veteran and a design engineer, and her mother was a New York opera singer turned homemaker. She grew up in Indiana and Florida before the family moved to Honolulu, where she graduated from high school.
Having acted in many high school plays, she moved to California to pursue an acting career and gained speaking roles in popular TV shows, including "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" and "I Dream of Jeannie."
In the early 1970s, she came to Austin, where she was the kitchen manager at the Texas Chili Parlor downtown. She and John Kelso met in 1980 at the Raw Deal restaurant and bar on West Sixth Street. Their first date was to the annual Eeyore's Birthday Party festival. They married soon after.
He often mentioned her in his newspaper columns, such as one about a 10-day European luxury cruise they took in 2002, and another one when they dressed in 1835-vintage attire and became extras in the movie "The Alamo," which was filmed near Dripping Springs in 2003.
Sally Ann Kelso is survived by two sisters, a daughter by a previous marriage and two grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
"She was pretty funny," John Kelso said. "She and a friend were getting ready to go to Port Aransas one time, and she was anxious to leave. 'Come on,' she said. 'Like John Wayne said, we're burning daylight.' "
Memories and Condolences
for Sally Kelso
108 Entries
September 13, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences to the Family's...
Joan Hardy
October 3, 2005
Our family is so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved, Sally Ann. We lived in South Austin off Congress Ave so we consider you one of our own. Please, take care of yourself.
David Calloway
August 14, 2005
John-
My prayers and most heartfelt sympaties on your loss. May you smile again...as you make so many do.
Johnny Bill Ralston
August 14, 2005
John,
I remember the one time we rode around in the limo with Sally...at least the first minutes before we had too much fun. She was so friendly and gracious. My thoughts are with you.
Dan and Ty Lourie
August 14, 2005
John -
So sorry to hear about your loss. We wish you strength and send our warmest regards.
Ray Benson
August 14, 2005
Kelso
My deepest condolences on the passing of Sally.Your words of wisdom and humour will live on as will Sallys love for you and yours for her.Peace Ray B
Lauren Warthan
August 13, 2005
John - We were all very sorry to hear about Sally, she was an amazing woman and will be missed greatly. My prayers are with you.
Allison Adams-Berry
August 13, 2005
My heart goes out to you. I hope the memories will help you through this and find your heart warmed with the love, and laughter, you both shared.
Scott Means
August 13, 2005
John,
So sorry to hear about Sally. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
barbara broberg
August 13, 2005
This is from your Minnesota admirer, IMy heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow.
barbara broberg
August 13, 2005
This is from your Minnesota admirer, IMy heart goes out to you at this time me of sorrow.
Mike Dunivan
August 13, 2005
John,
My deepest sympathies.
Yanni Funk
August 12, 2005
John -
My deepest sympathies to you and yours.
Lee Yeager
August 12, 2005
John, I don't know you and I never had the pleasure of meeting Sally but I enjoy your work and share in your loss.
Deb Reed
August 12, 2005
John, I'm so sorry to hear about Sally.
Take care of yourself.
Randy Muilenburg
August 12, 2005
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Larry Rogers
August 12, 2005
John, I was so sorry to hear about Sally. Your writing has made me smile on days when I didn't feel like smiling. I wish I could say something right now to return the favor. My thoughts are with you.
Lee Nichols
August 12, 2005
My heart goes out to you, John. Please know there are a lot of us in Austin who have you in our thoughts.
Jose Sol
August 12, 2005
Kelso,
There are no words that remove the pain caused by losing our best friend, specially if that happens to be our lifelong companion.
A friendly reminder: the body perishes, the soul does not.
May Sally's soul rest in peace. It takes time to heal some wounds, may you heal fast.
From your humor we smile at some stupid reality.
Thank you for writing.
Another ex-army dude in the North Shore of Lake Travis.
Vicky Killgore
August 12, 2005
Dear Mr. Kelso,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved wife Sally. My thoughts are with you and your family. As I read your future columns, Sally will always be in my thoughts.
As the daughter of a publisher and column-writer, I know how much inspiration and honesty Dad's wife provides him. Sally will certainly be missed, but I sure enjoyed 'gettting to know her' in your columns.
Jeff Dorsch
August 12, 2005
Mr. Kelso, I am so very sorry for your loss. She sounds like a one-of-a-kind woman.
Scout Robinson
August 11, 2005
So sorry for the pain that comes with the letting go. Love and blessings to all of you who loved her.
Pam Brooks
August 11, 2005
John...even though Sally's death was not unexpected; I know it is a shock for you. Take good care of yourself and know that as time passes your sorrow will ease. Cherish your memories for they are precious gifts of the life you shared together.
Reg Arnold
August 11, 2005
Mr. Kelso,
I guess my favorite writer has lost his humor for now , but I hope your fond rememberances of Sally will bring it back soon.
My prayers are with you & her now.
Best Regards,
Reg Arnold
Linda Jean Wise
August 11, 2005
Dear Kelso, As an old Austin girl reading your columns through the years, i have both laughed and mourned with you about so many things. In this greatest loss, i honor your wonderful wife, and pray for her a safe and sweet journey Home. And i hold you in prayer. May your heart be eased and sheltered.
You know, i used to go to Another Raw Deal on West 6th when i wanted "meat and leaves".
May you both be blessed with all the 'meat and leaves' you need.
Susan Riley Miller
August 11, 2005
Uncle John - Jim and I were saddened to hear of Sally's passing. I'm glad she was able to travel to DC with you last month. She must have been so proud of the honor you shared with her. Our thoughts are with you.
Madeleine Dimond
August 11, 2005
I'm so sorry for your loss. Reading your columns, I would have never guessed that your family was facing serious illness. Thank you for all the laughs, and tell your boss to give you some time off to heal.
May you remember ofter the blessings of your long marriage.
Joan and Pat Riley
August 11, 2005
John- Sally was a great partner for you and a source of joy for many. We're glad we got to see her last month and to enjoy her that one last time. Stay well, the memories will always remain.
Joan and pat
christi creel cerna
August 11, 2005
Someone so light that they recognize the sweetness of the kiss to a dog, the silly happiness of a funny movie, this person will be around you forever. We're all here for you, too.
Jerry Alger
August 11, 2005
We were so very sorry hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are for you in these sad times. Jerry Alger, Delta Chi, Missouri'59
Peggy Allen
August 11, 2005
Even though I do not personally know you or Sally, I have enjoyed your quips in the Statesman and do remember how many times you mentioned your wife,you will have sweet memories of your lovely wife always. God Bless you and comfort you.
Grace Gipson
August 11, 2005
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife. May you find peace and comfort knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult and trying time.
Terry B. Burkett
August 11, 2005
John you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife Sally. You bring so much good humor and understanding to us in your columns. May love and comfort be returned to you and your family ten-fold.
Lara Thomson
August 11, 2005
Dear Mr. Kelso,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Stay strong!
Kathy Petty
August 10, 2005
I am very sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Danvers
August 10, 2005
John, as a fan of your column for years, please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife. I know she must have enjoyed putting up with you, and that you will miss her. May she always have daylight to burn.
Margaret Swinney
August 10, 2005
Dearest John and Family,
Sally will remain in my heart forever as one of the best friends I've had. The two of you made life a joy and a delight. The goofs, the parties, the wonderful food and always, Sally's wonderful sense of fun. The memories flood over me and I remember them all with love.
My heart goes out to you.
Margaret
Hank Lichte
August 10, 2005
John, sorry to hear of your loss of Sally. My deepest sympathy is offered
My original intention today was to announce to you that Stanley Marsh had painted all his cadillacs pink this week.
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
From a fan in Amarillo.
Hank Lichte
Henrietta Black
August 10, 2005
John, So sorry to hear about Sally. My prayers are with you at this time. Henrietta
gilbert and betty perley
August 10, 2005
John, Sorry to hear about Sally. Our prayers are with you and the rest of her family. Betty and Gilbert Perley (Henrietta Black's son and daughter-in-law.)
Suzie Adams
August 10, 2005
I was so sorry to hear of the death of your wife. I had so enjoyed it when you wrote about her. She sounded like a very lovely lady. You had just told me about her illness at the recent Statesman Health Fair.
Sylvia Benini
August 10, 2005
Dear John and family,
We send to you our deepest sympathy at this time. Sally was one bright light. I still remember plenty of her zingy wisecracks at the old Raw Deal ~ and how much fun she had on the alamo shoot. In this time, know you all are in our thoughts. Thank you for sharing Sally with all of us, John.
Sylvia Benini and Brian McKenna
Woody Roberts
August 10, 2005
John, Your humor has much meant much to those of us daily trying to remain upbeat in a very downbeat world. I only wish there were somewhere out there a John Kelso for you to read right now.
Remember PRAYERS are with you, from so more people than you can imagine....
Woody
G J
August 10, 2005
John, Sounds like a wonderful lady and such a wonderful life together.
Prayers with you.
Theresa and Artly Fox
August 10, 2005
Our gatherings, whether joyful or sad, were always brightened by Sally's generosity of spirit. We now share memories of laughter (that WONDERFUL laugh!), her irreverant wit, her delight in friendship, good food, and the absurdity and curiosity that we call life.
The astounding stamina she harnassed while her frail little body was failing her was only surpassed by the adoration and dedication she had for the love of her life, John.
John, our hearts ache for you. We love you both.
Edd O'Donnell
August 10, 2005
John: Sally's gone on to peace. Remember her laughing and gracious. Be grateful her suffering was short. Grab onto the rest of your days and keep up the great work that made Sally delighted to be your wife.
Linda Schriever
August 10, 2005
John- Your column makes us smile every week and we are saddened by the news of Sally's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
-The Schriever Family
Cecil J. Rhoades,Jr.
August 10, 2005
John: We are very sorry for your lost of Mrs. Kelso---My 89 year old father in Burnet,Texas lives just to read your column--it makes his day. Cecil and Martha Rhoades,Jacksonville,Texas
Eve McArthur
August 10, 2005
John - such sad news. My heart goes out to you and all of Sally's family and friends. I think I remember the day you two met at the Raw Deal; hard to believe that was 25 years ago. You were a special, funny and devoted couple from the start.
Ed Biggs
August 10, 2005
John,
May gentle breezes be at your back and a warm sun grace your face during your time of loss.
Ed
Elizabeth Cooper
August 10, 2005
John, You keep me connected to the city I love... even though I'm far away. I'm so sorry for loss of your love.
bobby pitts
August 10, 2005
john im so sorry for yourlost, you give so much joy and laughter to all of us and now your wife is burning daylight with our lord. bobby pitts brownwood texas
Bonny Holder
August 10, 2005
I am one of your readers. So sorry for your loss! Namaste.
Clyde Carman
August 10, 2005
Have always enjoyed your column and had no idea your wife was not well. We wish you the very best in this difficult time.
Clyde & Lillian Carman
Guy Anderson
August 10, 2005
John, my sympathy to you & all your family. I met you once at the Statesman office about 16 years ago, I don't expect you to remember, but I've followed your column since 1985. My heart sank when I saw the news, God Bless
American HomePatient
August 10, 2005
Our condolescences go out to your family. It was our pleasure to have met Sally.
With Our Regards,
American HomePatient Staff
kathy krumm
August 10, 2005
oh john. i am so sorry. my heart goes out to you and your family.
Malinda Wilson
August 10, 2005
Your family is in my prayers, John. You have provided so many years of laughter for your readers and we all hope that our love and prayers are some help to you at this sad time.
Galen Brewer
August 10, 2005
John - So sorry to hear about Sally's passing. I hope you are ok in spite of this great loss. The article about Sally in the paper today only started to do her justice. No mention of the fact that she was a wonderful cook and great party host. I'll never forget the great feasts at the Kelso home in the early 80s. Sally fed us all so well. We put away some groceries.
adam walker
August 10, 2005
I want to send my regards to the kelso family. I am sorry for your loss
Becky Shutack
August 10, 2005
My prayers are with you! Your column keeps us smiling and I hope your love for your wife will keep you smiling and writing so wonderfully! May God be with you!
Brenda Huffaker
August 10, 2005
John, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
Roel Gonzales
August 10, 2005
John,
I've looked to your humor to make me laugh at the beginning of each morning. In my gratefullness, I wish you humor and smiles in the rich life you shared with Sally. Deepest sympathy,
Roel Gonzales
Richard Bolton
August 10, 2005
Dear John,
I was sad to read of Sally's passing. I hope that you will feel some comfort in knowing that your readers have you in their hearts and prayers.
Mary Helen Garcia
August 10, 2005
I was so saddened to read that your wife had died. The two of you have brought so much happiness and laughter to this city. You will be in my prayers for the days ahead of you.
Marshall Massey
August 10, 2005
John,
We were shocked and saddened to hear about your loss. I had only recently met Sally, but was impressed by her strength and vitality. May God comfort you in this difficult time.
Scott Emery
August 10, 2005
My sincerest sympathies and condolences on your loss. May God bless and comfort you and yours richly.
Jason Bewley
August 10, 2005
2 Corinthians 5:1
Greg and Heidi Bennett
August 10, 2005
John,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
-Greg
Steve Voytowich
August 10, 2005
My condolence and prayers go out to you and family
Michael Hritz
August 10, 2005
Brother John - Our prayers are with you & your loved ones; although you'll miss her, she is home now, & will never need again. Blessings & Light, your old Eckerd buddy downstairs.
Allen Martin
August 10, 2005
John, Janie and I were saddened to hear of Sally"s passing. We can think back to the fun times all of us had in Bastrop. I want you to know that our thoughts are with you at this time. Allen and Jane Martin
Carol Von Arx
August 10, 2005
John
As a fellow co-worker I am very sorry for your loss and will remember you and your family in my prayers.
Linda Wiles
August 10, 2005
John, my deepest sympathy. I so enjoyed the two of you at the Hill's Halloween party and have a wonderful photo of Doctor Kelso and Auntie Mame which I will send to the paper. Sally sure did light up the room and it was so obvious that she was the light of your life as well. Peace to you.
Louise Epstein
August 10, 2005
Dear Johnny:
I was so saddened to read of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and in those of everyone whom your lives have touched. Lots of hugs.
Jackie Goodman
August 10, 2005
John, we hope all the thousands of good wishes and thoughts being sent to you will give you at least some small measure of strength and comfort ~
Jack & Jackie Goodman
Donald Goldston
August 10, 2005
My profound condolences for the loss of your wife.
Stephanie Johnson
August 10, 2005
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Teve Davenport
August 10, 2005
John- Dege and myself are really sorry for your loss.
Domingo Oliva
August 10, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Susan Collins
August 10, 2005
John,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoy your column and wanted to express our condolences. Prayers are with you.
Susan and Jim Collins
Judeene Blankenship
August 10, 2005
Dear John,
I send my deepest condolences and wish you strength and courage in this difficult time. I ask God's blessings on you and your family.
Randy Doering
August 10, 2005
John, Sorry to hear about your loss. Originally from Georgetown, I'm a big fan your column and always look forward to reading it on statesman.com, especially when you write about Williamson County.
Randy
Michele Cook
August 10, 2005
John, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.
Michele
Tom Barry
August 10, 2005
John, Jackie and I are terribly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Jim Worley
August 10, 2005
John,I am so sorry for your loss,your humor and column helped me through some difficult times as I'm sure it did Sally.
Sincerely,
Jim Worley
Karen Thompson
August 10, 2005
John, my prayers are with you today. Like so many, we felt we knew Sally because of your newspaper column. My friend that used to frequent the Texas Chilli Palor said Sally was a great lady, funny, inspiring, and "one of a kind"!
Rene Crupper
August 10, 2005
John- I have never met you or Sally, I am a reader who enjoys your column. I wanted to say I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michele &Ken Perry
August 10, 2005
You have been the source of such wonderful humor for us. We extend our sympathies on your loss. Live on to laugh and write. She will continue as your inspiration. Michele & Ken Perry
Frank Donaldson
August 10, 2005
With sympathy, Frank Donaldson, one of Wilson's drivers.
Joan Nyc
August 10, 2005
John:
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Wilson
August 10, 2005
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I felt like I knew Sally through your column. You are so talented and know you will continue your good work.
Nancy Wilson (Kirk's mother)
Ashley Wilson
August 10, 2005
Sally was a wonderful and funny woman. You will both be in my thoughts.
Nicki Logan
August 10, 2005
John . . . my thoughts and prayers are with you now. Blessings on you and your family during these sad days.
Keith Kelly
August 10, 2005
Dear John:
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Sally.
On behalf of all of us at Esther's Follies, our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, Keith Kelly
Carol and Neal Branton
August 10, 2005
We were so sorry to read of your loss. We know you can feel the many prayers being offered up for you and your family. In our hearts and in our prayers.
Carol and Neal Branton
Gloria Sundeen
August 10, 2005
John, The family in Elgin will remember Sally for all that she was, a wonderful, loving, outgoing person who brought out the best in everyone who knew her. We will certainly remember the wonderful times and fun we shared with you both. We are thinking of you with love. Gloria and family
robert frank
August 10, 2005
John: Sorry to learn of the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
bob
patricia pels
August 10, 2005
John and I were sad to read about Sally Ann Kelso's death. Our thughts and prayers with the family
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