Kelly Leigh McCulley Rysavy

1977 - 2024

On Tuesday, July 30,2024, time stilled with the passing of our beloved Kelly Leigh McCulley Rysavy.

Born in Grand Junction, Colorado, on January 16, 1977, Kelly spent time in Colorado, Maine and Connecticut before finding her heart's home in Red Lodge, Montana, at age 12. It was there she started blossoming with the consistent love and laughter instilled by parents Dennis and Cheri McCulley.

Kelly graduated from Red Lodge High School in 1995 and entered the workforce with a flurry. Without knowing it, she was carefully collecting a myriad of skills for her dream profession as a realtor in the place she loved best. She delighted in her time in ski shop at Red Lodge Mountain and skiing with her children. She worked as a property manager, paraeducator in both Bridger and Fromberg Schools, bus driver for Fromberg, and in the business office of Alternatives. She supported and cheered on colleagues, students, and residents. She also found joy in sharing her favorite products with everyone, including Norwex, Pink Zebra, Pampered Chef, 31 Bars, though she gave away more than she sold. In January 2023, she became a realtor for Coal Creek Realty in Red Lodge and all of her work skills gelled in her passion for helping others find their home. The Coal Creek team became an extension of her family.

Kelly loved her family and her home became a buzzing hive with seven children and their friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kelly was fierce in her love for her children, tough times included. She championed her family's interest in drama, band, art, sports, education, animals - Sugar gliders, dogs, ferrets, hedge-hog - she cherished all the little hearts that surrounded her. She was adept at navigating a blended family where everyone felt valued.

Christmas added an extra sparkle in her eyes as she spent months finding quirky and fun mementos to shower on her family. Games, matching outfits, treasures hidden, her tree decorated earlier with each subsequent year, as did preparations. She relished her Black Friday shopping, yes, but extended to July and even June in giddy anticipation. As her children aged, weddings and baby preparations filled her heart. She planned a beautiful wedding for Maxine this spring and was currently planning her beloved Liberty's 2025 fairytale wedding to Leo.

This family was made possible with her soulmate, Kevin Rysavy. Her first sight of Kevin were just his legs sticking out from under the hood of a car, but she knew they were meant to be. And, after a few starts, the Kevin/Kelly, Kelly/Kevin duo was made official on July 13, 2014, with their song 1000 years (C.Perri) summing up their journey. Together, they camped, rode motorcycles to Sturgis and Cooke City, and spent time with family and friends. Their annual Valentine's vacation at the Oregon Coast, where she searched for fishing floats and sank her toes in sand, was highly cherished. She was always up to dinner with friends, especially tacos, and managed to have the makings for Guacamole at the ready.

Kelly adored her parents. Her mom Cheri, inspired her to work hard and to balance that work with fun. She loved time with both of them, whether they were riding bikes or visiting. She was so proud to be their daughter.

Never still, she preferred tv show over movies while crafting quilts and crocheting rugs, often covered with her pack of pets. Whether you were family, friend, or client, when you were with Kelly she was there, listening intently. She played the lottery so she could share with others and was up for shenanigans with her friends at the drop of a hat.

Becoming a grandma to Olivia, Deborah, Roper, Ryatt, and Hudson just sweetened her life as they sang and danced and laughed. It was particularly memorable to have her grandkids at the beach in Seaside, Oregon this past spring. Her happiness was at a zenith with her growing family, zest for her job, and treasured escapades with Kevin. She went out on a high note, packing that 1000-years into a short stay with us.

Our curly-haired sea goddess is floating that lazy river ahead of us, gathering new friends and family, and will be waiting with her sparkly eyes and a bowl of Guacamole. Her whimsy and infectious laughter will be missed but we are so grateful for her deep love!

Kelly is survived by her husband Kevin Rysavy, children Fletcher, Dalton, Libby (Leo), Matthieu (Mae), Suzannah (Darren), Austin (Ayden), and Maxine (Ricky), grandchildren Olivia, Deborah, Roper, Ryatt, and Hudson, parents Dennis and Cheri McCulley, brother Ryan Rummel (Nephew Ryker), sister Tina McCulley, grandma Mickey Peterson, furry beasts Ernie and Milo, and a host of cherished family and friends. Kelly was predeceased by her mother-in-law Carol Rysavy, sister Neisha McCulley, Uncle Kirt McCulley, and fur loves Trixie and Chloe.

A celebration of her magic will be held at a later date.