Patricia Sue Kelley

Patricia "Pat" Sue Clevenger Kelley was born on February 1, 1944, in Braymer, Missouri, to Herbert Lester Clevenger and Lora Jane Hawkins Clevenger. She peacefully passed away on January 7, 2025, after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones in her home.

Pat grew up in Braymer and attended Braymer C-4 School, graduating in 1962. Following high school, she pursued further education at a business school in St. Joseph, Missouri. After completing her studies, she embarked on a career in banking and bookkeeping, where her meticulous nature and dedication shone.

In 1975, Tricia married J. Rod Kelley, creating a loving blended family with her two children, ZoAnna Lynn Foley and R. Brett Prewitt. Her children remained the unwavering focus and joy of her life. In 1980, Pat and her family embraced a new adventure when Rod enlisted as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Pat truly relished the Navy lifestyle, embracing opportunities to travel and experience life in the continental United States and abroad. She devoted herself to supporting Navy families through her volunteer work with the Navy Relief Society, where she helped young enlisted families navigate household budgeting. She was also an active member of the Officers' Wives Club, participating in community service projects and fostering a sense of camaraderie among Navy families. As Rod served in the Navy and later in the United Methodist Church, Pat was a steadfast companion, offering encouragement and kindness to everyone whose lives they touched.

She will be be missed by her devoted husband Rod Kelley. Pat’s legacy is carried on by her two children ZoAnna Lynn Foley and R. Brett (Shelley) Prewitt of Kansas City; two stepchildren Andrew Krister (Jana) Kelley of Indonesia and Michelle Evelyn (Sean) Morris of Edmond, Oklahoma; brothers Roger Lynn (Bonnie) Clevenger and Oscar William (Darlena) Clevenger; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Herbert Francis Clevenger.

The community is invited to honor Patricia's life and memory during a visitation at Liberty United Methodist Church in Liberty, Missouri. This gathering will be held on Saturday January 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service that will celebrate her life beginning at 11:00 AM on the same day. Her inurnment will take place at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas, on January 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM.  Pat will be remembered for her warmth, dedication, and adventurous spirit. Her love of family and service to others made an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.