Ruth Anne Kelly

Ruth Anne (Dwyer) Kelly

1937-2020

It is with a heavy heart that we invite you to join us in the celebration of a life well-led. Ruth Anne (Dwyer) Kelly, born August 9, 1937, in Helena, MT, has had a remarkable life. Growing up in "Big Sky" country gave her a formidable foundation - filled with beauty and the love of a big family.

Ruth Anne's work ethic and sense of adventure launched her magnificent journey from the graduation stage as Valedictorian of Anaconda High School in Anaconda, MT. Her next stop was the University of Montana (Missoula, MT) where she started out as a Physics major, only to change to Education as it seemed "more practical." An active member in the Theta sorority, Ruth Anne graduated as a full-fledged Grizzly in June of 1959. Two weeks later, she married her long-time beau John Coleman Kelly, then a second-year medical student at the University of Oregon. They lived in Portland, OR where Ruth Anne taught Home Economics at local high schools while Jack finished medical school.

The Navy called, and Jack and Ruth Anne were off to San Diego, CA and Honolulu, HI. The islands were a world away from where this young couple had started, welcoming a daughter Bridgette (Kelly) Menezes with the help of the fine physicians at Tripler Army Hospital. Family life became Ruth Anne's focus.

They returned to the mainland in 1964 and chose to call Sparks, NV home. Ruth Anne and Jack were delighted to be back in the high mountain West where they could enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Ruth Anne could be found skiing on the slopes of Slide and Mt. Rose, or boating on her true favorite, Tahoe.

Jack's medical practice thrived while Ruth Anne's service to their community grew. You all may remember the Doctor's Wives' Rummage Sale. You could always find Ruth Anne working in "the ladies' department." Reno Junior League, Washoe County PTA, and the Alliance with the Washoe Medical Society (AWCMS) were all beneficiaries of Ruth Anne's countless volunteer hours.

In 1969, the family moved to southwest Reno, where gardening, irrigating, and a grove of fruit trees became Ruth Anne's hobbies. Her return to school in the 1980's resulted in an Accounting degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. She honed her skills to perfection.

In 1997, Ruth Anne and her husband Jack established The Erin Foundation to provide funding for projects in the local, national, and international arenas, as well as many other community-based organizations. These include: Doctors without Borders, Children's Hospital Medical Foundation, University of Nevada, Reno Entrepreneurial Scholarship, Smile Train, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, Heifer International, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Veterans' Guest House Inc., Tahoe Rim Trail, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, and Meals on Wheels.

From 1999 on, Ruth Anne served as the sole Trustee of the Erin Foundation. Her love of the Reno community and commitment to it were very strong - in addition to her philanthropic efforts, she served as a founding Board member of Heritage Bank. The Board worked as a team for over 25 years, bringing the idea of a "community bank" to life. She was thrilled to see the fruits of their labors realized when Heritage Bank merged with Glacier Bank earlier this year.

As Ruth Anne's health became more fragile, she moved to Dallas, TX to live with her daughter Bridgette and son-in-law Mitch. She longed for her Nevada home, but found solace in the love of the family she completely adored.

Ruth Anne has returned to her beloved Tahoe, her forever home. An intimate private ceremony will honor her amazing life and all that she has shared with us along the way. Ruth Anne leaves behind a family of incredible friends, her loving daughter Bridgette (Kelly) Menezes, son-in-law of 33 years Mitchell Menezes, and three grandchildren: Matthew (Matt) C Menezes, Cameron (Cam) J Menezes, and Kathleen (Keely) E Menezes.

May Ruth Anne rest in peace, as she is in God's and Jack's arms once more.