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June Kelly Obituary
June Verlee (Tillotson) Kelly
May 28, 1927-December 31, 2024
KELSO - June Kelly, 96, of Kelso WA, passed away at St. Johns Hospital on December 31, 2023. She was born on May 28, 1927 in Lava Hot Springs, ID to Arthur Tillotson and Sylvia (Bower) Tillotson.
June graduated from Lava Hot Springs High School in 1945. On December 6, 1944, June married William (Bill) Kelly and were married 76 years at the time of his death in 2020. While Bill was serving in the US Army (1945-1946), June lived and worked on the Kelly family ranch, a lifestyle she loved and never considered "work."
In 1964, Bill and June moved to Kalama, WA and soon made their home in the Carrolls area (Kelso, WA). June had many jobs throughout her life: rancher, making fly fishing rods and working at a butcher shop to name a few. But her most treasured title was "Grandma June." She loved her grandchildren unconditionally and could be found at any and all events her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in. She felt immense joy and pride with all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She enjoyed clam digging, camping trips, road trips, spending time with her family, mowing her lawn and most of all, trips to the casino. She was proud of the fact that she was able to live independently in her home. June provided her grandchildren with a long list of precious memories that they now hold dear.
June is survived by her beloved grandchildren: Kellie (Jamie) Williams, Robyn Portner, Michelle (Ace) Trekas, Ken (Rebekah) Kelly; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; son-in-law, Robert Portner; daughter-in-law, Jan Kelly and brother, Jay (Kay) Tillotson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, William R. (Bill) Kelly; daughter, Carolyn R. Portner; son, William J. (Bill) Kelly; parents, Arthur and Sylvia Tillotson; and sisters, Betty Kofoed and Elaine Spackman.
No public service will be held. Her family will be taking her to her final resting place, Lava Hot Springs, ID, where her heart has always remained.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for June Kelly
3 Entries
Tammy L. Swofford
January 24, 2024
May you rest peacefully June in Lava Hot Springs.
Love & condolences to the family.
If you knew her, you instantly had an affection for her personality.
Gods Blessings~
Erin Hilley
January 23, 2024
Miss June was one of my favorite customers Bill also was for 18 years I would see one or both of them 5 days a week as their mail lady and the last 3 years we were so very close talking at least once a week always there to help her with anything but those who know her she never asks for help but that darn old garage door as she called it I did help alot...I miss her so much already a routine I'll never get used to without her so very sorry to whole family I knew most of you through years of stories I will forever miss...a beautiful lady I will always cherish her memories
Howard H Hartzog Jr
January 23, 2024
so sorry to hear , she was such a sweet lady
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