Delphine BettyLou Kelly

Delphine BettyLou (Nelson) Kelly, aged 94, formerly of Litchfield, MN passed away at Cokato Manor on October 17, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Ripley Cemetery.

Delphine was born on July 27, 1931, to Harlowe and Iola (Bannister) Nelson in Maine Prairie Township, Stearns County, MN. She received her education at Washington High School in Litchfield. On March 1, 1950, she married the love of her life Lee Elmer Kelly in Benson, MN. From this union a daughter and two sons were born, Marilyn, David and LeRoy. They were married for 47 years. Delphine worked for Augustana Homes as a dietary aide for 34 years and 10 months. Throughout her life she lived in DeGraff, Benson, Gaylord and Litchfield. Delphine was a member of the First Lutheran Church and a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Admiral Benson VFW Post #2818, Military Order of the Cootie Auxiliary of Saint Cloud and was the editor of the Admiral Benson Newsletter and 6th District Newsletter. She was proud of all of the awards she received when writing for the papers. Delphine enjoyed trips to the casino with friends and family, reading books, putting puzzles together, playing Royal Rummy with family, volunteering, bowling, bingo, card games, and cross stitching.

Delphine is survived by her sons; David (Pam) Kelly of Cokato and LeRoy Kelly of Grove City; eight grandchildren Sabrina (Bob) Sackett, Jeff Slinden, Suzie Nussbaum, Donovan (Jaime) Slinden Jr., Christopher (Zoey) Kelly, Sarah (Dustin) Smith, Jason Kelly, and Heather (Chris) Keppers; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lee; daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Donovan Slinden Sr.; parents Iola and Harlowe; brother Raymond; and great-grandchild Adian and great-great-grandchild Faith.