Darlene M. Kelley

Darlene Marles Kelley, 93, passed away December 9, 2025.

A memorial service will start at 12:00 PM, Monday, December 15, at the First Presbyterian Church, 214 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck.

Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

She was born March 3, 1932, in Jamestown ND to Opal and Leon Babcock. She graduated from Jamestown High 1949. She moved to Bismarck right after graduating and worked at Unemployment Services. She met Lester on a blind date and they were married May 23, 1952. They shared 40 yrs. together. Les passed in 1992.

She wintered in Phoenix AZ with her high school sweetheart Len Peterson for 10 years. After he passed, she moved back to Bismarck.

She is survived by her five children, Kitty Charlesworth (Clinton), Kevin Kelley (Sandra), Neal Kelley (Patti), Peggy Hawkins (Tom), Patty Traiser (Don); eight grandchildren, Andrew Traiser (Allison), Keith Kelley (Christina), Connor Kelley (Kylee), Lexie Harms (Gunther), Shannon Hawkins, Alysse Chorro-Charlesworth (Jose), Megan Kelley (Steve), Katlin Kelley (Isaac); nine great-grandchildren, Weston & Jackson Traiser, Aritrea, Aurora, Ariella, Amberly Kelley, Evelyn, Vivian Kelley, Bodie Harms; and Darlene’s brother Ethan Babcock.

She is preceded in death by parents and sisters Donna Williamson and Jackie Truax.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to CHI St. Alexius for their compassionate care.