Cheryl Lindley Kelly

1944 - 2005

Cheryl Lindley Kelly, 60, a retired property tax consultant, peacefully passed away in the presence of her family Monday, March 14, 2005.

Funeral: 2 p.m. Friday at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst. Burial: Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery in Colleyville. Visitation: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Moore Funeral Home. Immediately following the burial, the family will receive friends at an informal reception and dinner at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Todd Futrell.

Memorials: Donations may be made to the Emery J. Lilge Hospice House, 301 Medpark Circle, Burleson, Texas 76028.

Cheryl was born June 3, 1944, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Fort Worth, and was the oldest of four children. She attended L.D. Bell and Paschal High Schools. She began her career in the property tax consulting business as a file clerk. Due to her persistence, work ethic and charisma, she worked her way up to an account executive and remained in the property tax business until retirement. She retired in March of 2005, to devote her life to her grandchildren.

Cheryl was known for her fun-loving spirit, her friendliness, and her untouchable ability to dress as the "classy lady" that she was. She was deeply influenced by her grandmother "Memie", Mary Durham Kelley, who coached her from birth to hold her head high no matter what life may bring. She spent her entire life honoring her grandmother by overcoming incredible obstacles and by devoting her life to her children and grandchildren.

Cheryl loved all kinds of games, and many have made the mistake of challenging her in a game of canasta, forty-two, or Texas hold-em. A phrase she often used was "There's blood running off this table, and it's getting serious!" She especially enjoyed her Bunko friends. Other hobbies were landscaping, preferring roses and jonquils, and bird watching, favoring the unique red cardinal. Early spring was her favorite time of year when the redbud trees are blooming and the birds are busy building their nests.

Her grandchildren, Lyndsey, Jared, and Nathan, were the love of her life. She spent countless hours singing, helping little hands to cook and plant, examining artwork, listening and teaching piano, driving to activities, sitting by the playground, playing computer games, kissing boo-boos, rocking, dancing, snuggling, and waiting for indecisive children at the candy or ice cream store. She taught them to enjoy the little things in life and rarely turned down a phone call with the question, "Meme, can I come spend the night with you?" All three of them knew that they were and always will be the most special people in her life.

The family would like to thank everyone involved for the tremendous display of thoughtfulness and compassion during Cheryl's sudden and unexpected illness. The phone calls, visits, cards, emails, food, and household help have all been greatly appreciated.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her son, Gordon Lindley; parents, Charlene Harrison and O.J. Wood Jr.; aunt, Martha Durham; and cousins, Danny Durham, Phyllis Durham and Gary Kenny.

Survivors: Daughter, Laura Futrell and husband, Todd, of Kennedale; sisters, Darlyne Petty of Mansfield and Janie Ellis and husband, Roger, of Mansfield; brother, Larry Harrison and wife, Sonny, of Whitehorse, The Yukon Territoy, Canada; nephews, Daren Petty, Gregg Petty and wife, Bunny, Scott Ellis, and Joseph Harrison; nieces, Ronda Farmer and husband, Doug, and Amy Ellis; great-nephews, Colton Petty, Sammy Farmer, and Joey Farmer; great-nieces, Britton Petty, and Kylie Farmer; extended family, Kim McDonald, Samantha McDonald; uncle, C. R. "Dickie" Durham; cousins, Pam Durham, Paxton Davies, Jon Durham and family, Charlie Durham and family; aunt, Vodine Kenny and husband, Bob; and cousins, David Kenny and Don Kenny.