Obituary: Kelley (Gene), Eugene Albert (Age 87)
He was born October 25, 1925 to Charles and Louise Kelley at the family home North of Hartline.
Gene and Shirley Mickelsen were married October 22, 1947 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort Christmas Lighting in November 2012.
Gene farmed wheat for many years in the Hartline and St. Andrews area, retiring in 1995 and moving to Wilbur.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughters Debbie (Mark) DeHaven of Spokane and Lisa (Loren) Peha of Almira, son-in-law Tom Behne of Hartline, one brother, Robert Kelley of Hartline, his nine grandchildren: Emerson, Whitney, and Nick Kelley, Byron and Nathan Behne, Hunter and Rachel DeHaven, and Hailey and Skye Peha and three great-grandchildren Taylor and Cyla Kelley and Adalynn Behne.
Gene was preceeded in death by infant son Gary Eugene, daughter Connie Behne, son Daniel Kelley, sister Helen Wright, brothers Patrick, Joe, and George Kelley, and parents Charles and Louise Kelley.
In retirement, Gene enjoyed gardening, jigsaw puzzles, reading, watching sports, and playing solitaire.
Gene was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, served on the Hartline School Board, and was a Director on the Central Washington Grain Growers Board.
Rosary will be at 7 PM Wednesday July 10th and the Memorial Service on Thursday July 11th at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wilbur.
Burial will be at three o’clock at the Hartline Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, Hartline Cemetery, or Wilbur Ambulance.
Strate Funeral Home is caring for the family.