Mary Ann Strain Kelly

1953 - 2025

Mary Ann Strain Kelly

April 6, 1953 - August 14, 2025

Mary Ann Strain Kelly, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025. She touched countless lives with her warmth, optimism, and faith. Born in Kimball, Nebraska on April 6, 1953, Mary was the only daughter of Glen Howard and Margaret Ann Strain. When she was three years old, her family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where she grew up alongside her three brothers, graduating from Lincoln High School. Mary attended the University of Nebraska then transferred to Joseph's Cosmetology College where she completed certificates to become a licensed cosmetologist. She loved her work and joyously spent the rest of her working days making the world a better and more beautiful place, one grateful client at a time.

Mary was blessed with five beautiful daughters and the love she felt for her children was nothing short of profound. As a mother, she was loving and playful, creating many memories of laughter and being silly together. She was patient and gentle, filling her home with joy and fun through countless shared moments. Mary raised her daughters to be strong, independent women and instilled in them the courage to each be their individual selves. She moved from Nebraska to Fort Collins in 2002, to be closer to her children and her mountains.

As a person, Mary was optimistic and always able to find the silver lining in any situation. She brought joy and smiles to everyone she met. Mary loved swimming, going on drives, being near the mountains, playing golf, and especially dancing.

Mary honored God above all. As a Christian and Catholic, she treated everyone with kindness and an open heart. She was also a precious jewel in the lives of those who knew her, and she had a quiet strength-never afraid to gently stand up when something wasn't right, always encouraging others to treat people fairly.

Her laughter will be heard forever in the hearts of those who knew her. Mary was truly a giver of life and will be dearly missed.

Left to carry on her memory are her daughters, Sandi Dumas (Nick), Karri Croft (Scott), Amy Hult (Jeff), Julie Ann Adler, and Mackenzie Kelly; and her grandchildren, Olivia and Alex Dumas, Eli and Evan Hult, and Axel and Aislyn Adler. She is also survived by her brothers, Howard Strain (Joanie), Jim Strain (Jerri), and Bill Strain (Betsy). Mary is greeted on the other side by her mother and father.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to Project Self-Sufficiency of Northern Colorado at bringthepower.org. Treasured memories of Mary and words of condolence for her family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com

Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens

Fort Collins, Colorado