Barbara Kelly

November 21, 1934 — March 23, 2024

Ramah, NM

Barbara Kelly of Ramah, NM passed March 22, 2024 peacefully with her son Gary by
her side. She was born November 21, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio. She grew up in
Columbus, Ohio and attended Columbus School for Girls. She attended several colleges,
including University of Gables, Fl for interior design. She later obtained a degree in
Elementary Education, graduating from University of Colorado, Boulder in 1956. She
was nominated a Rhodes Scholar in 1956. She then taught elementary at Waven
Elementary in Marietta, Ohio, and Weinland Park Elementary in Columbus. After
teaching, Barb worked at Franklin County Children Services from 1960-1973, where she
managed foster children. Her volunteer experience was vast. She volunteered for the
Children’s home in Columbus, First Community Church in Marble Cliff, Ohio and
Childrens Hospital in Columbus in the 1960’s and 70’s.
Barb was married to Michael J. Kelly for 14 years and three children were adopted.
Timothy, Gary and Jennifer. She attended St. Brendan Church in Hilliard, Ohio. Barb’ s
house was always a fun place to visit. She always had a slew of pets and animals,
including goats, cats, dogs, llamas and her love was horses. She was a true giver, and
often contributed to charitable causes, including saving the horses in New Mexico,
taking in stray dogs and cats and offering her love to all of them. Her humor and bubbly
personality was infectious. She had many hobbies including, crafting, interior design,
and ice skating.
Later in life, Barb’s love of animals and country, took her to New Mexico. She lived
the latter part of her life in Ramah, New Mexico in a rural area with a ranch type setting.
She loved the climate, ability to have a variety of animals. Her son, Gary moved with her
and helped her manage all the animals, and cared for her as she got older.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mary Swisher (Columbus),
and daughter, Jennifer. She was survived by sons, Timothy and Gary, and of course her
dog, Midi and cat Casey and many friends. Barb will be dearly missed by all who knew
her. Arrangements are being handled by Mt. Taylor Funeral Home, Grants, NM. Service
will be held at Candy Kitchen Mission on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:00 am. In lieu of
flowers, please honor Barb by giving to a charity of your choice.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Saturday, April 6, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)

Kandy Kitchen Mission Church

9 Blue Bird Lane, Pine Hill, NM 87357

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