Buelah Kathleen Kelly (Starbuck)

Buelah Kathleen (Starbuck) Kelly

July 8, 1932-February 26, 2017

Buelah Kathleen “Kathy” (Starbuck) Kelly  was born July 8, 1932 in Queen City, MO. She and her three siblings were raised on a farm by their parents, Perley Floyd and Bessie Starbuck.  Buelah met her future husband, Robert Emmett Kelly, in Kirksville, MO, while he was on leave from the United States Air Force.  After they were married they traveled the world. They lived in Turkey and Germany and saw most of Europe before Robert retired from the Air Force and they moved to Gunnison.

Once in Gunnison, Kathy worked for the United States Forest Service wearing many hats including that of receptionist and forest fire dispatcher.  Kathy retired from the Forest Service in 1998 and moved to Montrose.  During her time in Montrose, Kathy volunteered at the Montrose Memorial Hospital for over 15 years.  She enjoyed traveling with friends, going to the Magic Circle plays, and attending local concerts.

Kathy is survived by her daughter Cheryl Hill, Montrose, and her sons Randy, Canon City, and Robert (Linessa), Hutchinson, KS.  She leaves behind 8 grand children and 6 great grand children. She is also survived by her siblings, Johnny Starbuck and Lucille York of Kirksville, MO, and Gerald Starbuck, Ottumwa, IA.

At her request, cremation has taken place. Any donations in Kathy’s honor may be made to the Montrose Memorial Hospital.