This Book of Memories memorial website is designed to be a permanent tribute paying tribute to the life and memory of Rodney Kelly. It allows family and friends a place to re-visit, interact with each other, share and enhance this tribute for future generations. We are both pleased and proud to provide the Book of Memories to the families of our community.

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Genia Engelstad

We are so very sad that we lost our "Papa" Rod Kelly. He married my Mom, Llewella Decking Kelly in 1997 and shared many years of happiness, sadness and life! They shared the loss of two Daughters, Ruthie and Jan .. The birth of grandchildren, great grandchildren, marriages and loss. He was so gentle and kind to my Mom when she was sick with cancer .. They were buddies and shared so many memories as they knew each other for many years before their marriage. Rod was bigger than life to me when I was a child .. My Dad, Thomas Decking, many times started his truck driving stories .. "When Kelly and I were in Texas ... Georgia ... Or wherever ... We did this ... Fill in the blanks, their adventures were always filled with fun, singing, laughter and amazing characters. There are rocks in Arizona to this day, that are stacked precariously, in canyons that my Dad and Rod Kelly piled up by day so they could fight the Indians by night ... :) His exploits were legendary! The best thing about Rod Kelly to me was the love and care for my niece Ella Ruth ... she loves her Papa .. And he loved her too! He was her touchstone and taught her many things as they were driving back and forth from school or to swim practice or just a ride to get ice cream! She learned what it was like to be a truck driver, what it was like to be a kid in growing up in his time, he shared stories of her Papa Tom with her as she never got to know him. When she recently visited me she called Papa at least 3 or 4 times a day to check in with him to make sure he was doing ok. I know his children and grandchildren from Georgia missed him these last years while he lived in North Carolina but he sure filled a void in a little girls life and for that I am forever thankful! Rod .. Ella,Inge, Jack and I will miss you!! I'm just glad you aren't suffering anymore! Glad we got to spend some time with you in August! Thanks for the memories! We love you Papa! Love to the "boys" as Papa always called his sons and their families .. We are very sorry for "our" loss! Love to all. Genia and Jack Engelstad
Tuesday September 20, 2016 at 3:43 pm
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