Obituary
Born at home on January 23, 1930 in Wingdale, NY, she was the daughter of the late Hazel Frances Woodin Benson and Robert Oxley Benson, Sr. Mrs. Kelly was baptized and confirmed at the Dover Plains United Methodist Church in Dover Plains, NY. She graduated from Dover High School on June 23, 1947, and the Executive Secretarial Science course at Krissler Business Institute in Poughkeepsie, NY on August 20, 1948. Her first position was as the private secretary to the President of Pawling Corporation in Pawling, NY. On December 30, 1951, at the Dover Plains Methodist Church, she married Frank William Kelly, who died on April 16, 2010.
Mrs. Kelly was a lifelong member of the Dover Plains United Methodist Church, and for 38 years, served as a trustee and secretary/treasurer of the Trustees. She joined the Dover Chapter #762 Order of the Eastern Star on June 18, 1951, and served as Worthy Matron in 1960 and 1963. As a 62-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Mrs. Kelly held offices every year, and received the Distinguished Service Award pin and Certificate of Dedication on May 6, 2006. Mrs. Kelly was a life member and past vice president of the J. H. Ketcham Hose Company Auxiliary and Rescue Squad.
She is survived by four children, William R. Kelly and his wife, Kathleen; Rebecca S. Sartori and her husband, David; Brian D. Kelly and his wife, Cheryl; and Carolyn B. Lasher, all of Dover Plains, NY; a sister, Joan F. Keller of Dover Plains, NY; and 11 grandchildren: Kathleen Howard of Amenia, NY; Karinna Manley of Anchorage, AK; Kayla Kelly of Dover Plains, NY; Krista Bailey of Sharon, CT; William M. Kelly of Amenia, NY; Kelly Anderson of Purchase, NY; Melissa Sartori of Dover Plains, NY; Aaron Kelly of Millbrook, NY; Eric Kelly of Dover Plains, NY; Mackenzie Lasher of New Haven, CT; and Ariana Lasher of New York, NY.
Mrs. Kelly is also survived by seven great grandchildren: Nolan and Elaina Howard, Colin and Paige Bailey, Alyssa Manley, Dylan Kelly, and Evelyn Kelly, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, Mrs. Kelly was predeceased by three brothers, Robert Benson, Douglas Benson, and Melvin Benson; a granddaughter, Kimberly Beth Kelly; son-in-law, Lt. Thomas P. Lasher; and former daughter-in-law, Diana M. Kelly.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. The J. H. Ketcham Hose Co. Auxiliary will conduct services at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the funeral home with Rev. Thom Fiet officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains.
Memorial contributions may be made to the J. H. Ketcham Hose Co. Auxiliary, P.O. Box 598, Dover Plains, NY 12522. To send the family an online condolence, please visit http://www.hufcutfuneralhome.com.
