Virginia Margret Kelly

Kelly, Virginia Virginia Margret Barth Kelly died peacefully on October 9, 2013. Born on November 20, 1916, in York, Nebraska, Virginia grew up on a farm first owned by her grandfather and later by her parents. Though she had fond memories of her childhood, she decided farm life was not her calling, so after high school, she enrolled at the University of Nebraska, intending to major in English. However, as this was during the Depression and money was scarce, she returned to York after a year and a half of studies and found work at the local telephone company. Her best friend, also employed by the phone company, introduced her to her future husband, Ludwig L. Kelly (called Kelly by his friends), a young engineer working for the federal government in a nearby town. In 1942, they were married after which Kelly promptly joined the Army. Together, they lived all over the country for the next few years. After the war, they settled in Lincoln, Nebraska. Eventually, Kelly�s job took him to Maryland to work for the USDA. By this time, their daughter Paula had been born. For the next 10 years, they lived in Silver Spring outside Washington, D.C. Virginia thoroughly enjoyed living in a part of the country where, as she often said, the local news was the national news. Upon Kelly�s retirement, they moved to Napa, CA. There they spent 20 years living near family on both sides and making friends through their church and the local Democratic Party. Their last move as a couple was in 1990 to Espanola, NM, to be near their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. Virginia became involved in volunteer work for McCurdy School and was warmly welcomed as a member of Valley View Methodist Church where she greatly enjoyed the company of the United Methodist Women. In 2006, Virginia moved to La Vida Llena Retirement Community in Albuquerque where she resided until her death. Though Virginia was the last to admit it, she was very good at many things, but, as a perfectionist, she always saw room for improvement. She kept a beautiful home and enjoyed gardening, keeping in touch with friends and family, cheering for the Cornhuskers and keeping up with world and national events. Above all, she was fiercely loyal to family, took great pride in their accomplishments and had a generous heart. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Ella and Harry Barth, two brothers, John Barth and James Barth, and her husband. She is survived by her daughter Paula Mills and son-in-law Edward, granddaughter Jenna Hamilton (Ben) and great-granddaughter Alanah Hamilton, all of Albuquerque; sister Mary Barth of Lumberton, NJ; sister-in-law Gloria Barth of Napa, CA; nieces Marie Barth and Janet Barth, also of Napa; niece Susan Jeffery of Ocoee, FL; niece Jaimie Coffey (Tom) of Geneva, NE; nephew Robert Kelly (Lee Ann) of Woodland, CA, along with several great nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at Santa Fe Memorial Gardens -on October 15 with a reception at La Vida Llena to follow at a later date. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-884-1188