Born in Athens, Texas, he was a son of Gary L. Kelley Jr., companion of Ederine Thacker, Cleburne, Texas, and Pamela J. (Wells), wife of Curtis G. Rismiller, with whom he resided.
Jonathan was a 10th-grade student at Kutztown Area High School, Kutztown.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are paternal grandmother, Joan K. (Henderson) Carpenter, Rio Vista, Texas; maternal grandparents, Ronald L. and Betty J. (Baurley) Wells, Bedford, Indiana; and two sisters, Cassandra E. Kelley, companion of Jonathan M. Esterly, Blandon, and Amber R. (Kelley), wife of Norman J. Kehl Jr., Kutztown.
In addition, there are three stepbrothers, Steven M. Rismiller, Pottsville; Christopher J., husband of Corrinia (Reppert) Rismiller, Alburtis; and Mathew G. Rismiller, Fleetwood.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Gary L. Kelley Sr.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at 8 p.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes Inc., 333 Greenwich St., Kutztown.
Private interment will be in Hope Cemetery, Kutztown.
There will be a viewing Monday 5 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
The family requests contributions be made to the Jonathan M. Kelley Memorial Fund, c/o Ludwick Funeral Homes Inc., P.O. Box 292, Kutztown, PA 19530-0292.
Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michelle Foster
January 24, 2012
Dear Pam & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jonathan and the lost that you have suffered. Pam I know from working with you how much you love all your children, they are your life, you talked about them so often. It was a pleasure to meet Jonathan and I pray that God would comfort you and Kurt and your entire family during this time. My heart goes out to each one of you and if there is anything I can do please do not hesistate to contact me. Always keep his warm kind spirit alive.
Michelle Foster
(Formerly of AVI- Kutztown, PA)
January 20, 2012
Jonathan, I remember when you first moved next to me and I was like oh great... But as the year or two I knew you went on you turned out to be a good friend. I'm sorry to hear that you passed away so young but I will never forget the good times we had together. RIP Jonathan.
Chad Moyer
January 20, 2012
Jonathan, I remember when you first moved next to me and I was like oh great... But as the year or two I knew you went on you turned out to be a good friend. I'm sorry to hear that you passed away so young but I will never forget the good times we had together. RIP Jonathan.
Jamie Klinger
January 20, 2012
I did not really know Jon Kelley...but I know how it feels to lose a loved one, your family will be forever in my heart!
ashley tufaro
January 18, 2012
Even though l may have not known you, it is a shame that you were taken from Cass and your family this early in life. I thoughts and prayers are with Cass and your family.
Gabrielle Moss
January 17, 2012
Sorry for you lose the Kelley family. Jon I'm going to miss you. You were a sweet kid. Glad your in no more pain. I miss seeing you in the hallways at school. Rest easy jon and keep an eye on your nephew.
A Kutztown mother who cries for you and the loss of your son.
January 17, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Emily Riegel
January 17, 2012
Jonathan, Thank you for being a great friend. I will miss seeing your friendly smile in the Kutztown Area High School hallway.
January 16, 2012
Jonathan , we will miss your face , your smile your eyes so kind . You just started out in this world and now you are gone . see you on the other side buddy
Shelby Kehl
January 16, 2012
Jonathan, i really dont know you, but you were a good person to talk to at the Diner. i only knew you and your family for about a year. you will be missed by a lot of people. you will be in our hearts forever!
Russell Esterly
January 16, 2012
You will be missed, you were a great kid, its a shame the trully good people leave this world that needs them so much, early in life.
Jenn Hess
January 15, 2012
I'm so very sorry to hear of your family's loss....how terribly sad. May the Lord bring you strength and comfort during this sad time.
Stephanie, Jerry, Chase, Gentry, & Lyndsey Little
January 15, 2012
I can't believe you are gone... We love you so much... You were such a cute wide eyed baby, fun-loving little boy, and you turned into a handsome dependable young man... Thank you for making my life a little brighter for 16 years... Our little family will never be the same without you! :'(
Tammy Moyer
January 14, 2012
Dear Jonathan,you were a friend of my sons,even if you and him had moments you always seemed to still come around.You will be Missed
cindy farmer
January 14, 2012
Jonathan we did not know u very well but Steven and I known your wonderful mom for a while... You are in our thoughts and prayers always and forever.. We will always be here for your mom and family as long as she needs. she is very special in our life, she has told us so much about u and what a wonderful guy u were.. Now u are not suffering anymore and u are doing what u like playing baseball with all the people u are with. Steven and I love u.... Pam u know we are here for you and always will, we love u very much ..R.I.P. Jonathan...
Kimmie Kressley
January 14, 2012
Dear Jonathan,
I remember one night when it was karaoke night, me and you played with your DSI. You used to let me play with it. I also remember seeing you at the Kutztown Fair. I'm going to miss you, Jonathan. I love you!
steven pyle
January 14, 2012
Jonathan,you will be missed by your mom shes singing like you ...you are singing in heaven with the angels my little guy we love you too im her good friend steven i know how much everyone loves you & misses you ..your family friend steven
Matt & Siri
January 14, 2012
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the fond memories that you have of him close to your heart for they will help you during these trying days.
Joseph and Christine Esterly
January 14, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Alyssa Yarush
January 14, 2012
Jonathan, you were such a good kid and you didn't deserve to leave so early but god has a different plan for you. Have fun in heaven and look over your family and friends that love you so much.
Jaclyn Schlegel
January 14, 2012
we will all miss you. i'm glad to have known you and i know ypu are watching over you family just like my brother and grandmother are doing
Wayne Wolfe
January 14, 2012
I am truely sorry for your loss. From my family to yours our prayers go out to you.
January 14, 2012
Miss you glad to have met you and for you to have held Chloe.
Josie Rismiller
January 14, 2012
God must've needed Jonathan in Heaven that he took Him at such Young age. Jonathan's up there with the Angel's smiling down on all of You. His pain is gone and He's finally home! Rest In peace Jon. My prayers and thoughts are with You during this time of grief. God Bless All Of You.
Jonathan Esterly
January 14, 2012
ill miss you lil buddy you always knew how to cheer us up an bring light into our lives . ill never forget you Jonathan.
Kehl
January 14, 2012
Our hearts and prayers go out to Jonathan's family for remembering his life. We will never forget you buddy! Love,
Jennifer, Trish, Harold, and the rest of the Kehl family
Kehl
January 14, 2012
Our hearts and prayers go out to Jonathan's family to remember his life. We will never forget you!
Love,
Jennifer, Trish, Harold, and the rest of the Kehl family
Jonathan my brother, Jon and I at Thankgiving!!!!!
Cassandra Kelley
January 14, 2012
Cassandra Kelley
January 14, 2012
LOVE YA LITTLE BROTHER!
Cassandra Kelley
January 14, 2012
hey little brother i miss ya like crazy and im not going to lie wish i could have ya back! but if that was not what would have made ya better then im glad that ur in heaven now. from ur sis, future brother in law jon and from your future niece or nephew unknown we all luv ya here buddy. FOREVER AND ALWAYS JONATHAN!!!!!
William Jackson
January 14, 2012
Sorry for ur loss kelly family
Amy Smith
January 14, 2012
I couldn't imagine losing a child at a early age, but my heart goes out to you(Pam & Family). You were a good kid and always had a great smile. You will be missed and never forgotten. God is with you now.
ramona kehl
January 14, 2012
so sorry for ur lose prayers are with u and ur family,
Linda Schroeder
January 14, 2012
I will never forget your smile, or the little things that made you smile. My heartfelt sympathies go to those who must carry on without you. Walk with God, Jonathan!
C P
January 14, 2012
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
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