Lessert Norman Kelly

Lessert Norman Kelly was born on September 2, 1936 in Tuba City, AZ, the son of Bert and Ruth C. (Lessert) Kelly. Les made his journey to the spirit world May 25th, 2022 in Tahlequah, OK, His paternal Clans born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood and Hash k’aan Hadzohi (yucca fruit strung in a line clan people). Lessert graduated high school from Red Cloud Indian Mission in Pine Ridge, SD. As a scholar, he graduated from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, earning his business degree. As a proud veteran , he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Later he would retire from the McKee baking Company. The last forty years of service have been dedicated to the Creator, Alcoholics Anonymous, and any cause worthy of his devotion. He touched so many lives in his walk upon the earth. He has been an inspiration to many seeking a path of recovery from addiction. He was so proud of his Lakota and Dine’ Heritage, and loved sitting next to the drums during powwow. He thoroughly enjoyed the drums of his people and the songs of his Lakota and Dine’ Heritage. He wrote poetry and stories telling of his life here on earth. He was loved by many and loved sharing his stories for others in lessons in wisdom gained by his own experience. He had so many wonderful memories about gathering with the family at his Grandma’s home, sharing a delicious home cooked meal. He will be missed by those of us that had the privilege of enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a good conversation. He was 85 years old and leaves many friends and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Minnie Means-Lessert, Charles and Lovie (Kelly) Schultz. His parents include Bert Kelly And Ruth (Carmel)Lessert (Kelly), his step mother, Louise P. Kelly, brother Anthony ray Kelly, wives Constance Woods-Kelly, Bernice Hart Kelly, and Betty L. O’Rourke Sanchez. His daughters include Debbie Lynn Kelly, Jacklyn Marie Kelly Pailzote. His grandsons include Mike Sherman Jr., Tracy Sherman, grandsons, Brandon Chavez, Aaron Candelaria and great grandson, Anthony Vincent Chavez Pailzote.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Lessert Charles Kelly of Arizona, Lora Elaine Sherman of Idaho, Becky Jordan of Oklahoma, Ruth Lynn Kelly of New Mexico, Katherine Rae Tilden of Arizona, Robert Joseph Candelaria of Arizona, Kevin David Kelly of Oklahoma, he leaves his brothers, Benjamin Greeley Kelly of South Dakota, Nolan Kelly of New Mexico, sisters Kellamae Kelly of Arizona, Alvina McCabe of Arizona, and Auntie Emma Jean Willie of Leupp, AZ. His sons-in-law include Mike Sherman, Kenny Jordan, Corey Tilden, and daughter-in-law Louissa Kelly as well as ,31 grandchildren, 101 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

With heartfelt appreciation and love from the family, we thank each and every one of you who has been a part of his life. To’ksa akhe’.. till we meet again.

Funeral services for Lessert Norman Kelly will be held on Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 at 10:00 Am at Reed-Culver chapel with Adam Brewer officiating. There will be a family visitation on Monday, June 6th, 2022 beginning at 1:00 Pm until 6:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest with his family at Mollie Field Cemetery. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reeedculver.com.

Pallbearers for Lessert include Gaylon Kelly, Benjamin Kelly, Kyle Kelly, Kristopher Kelly, Keenan Kelly, and Myron Wagner. His honorary pallbearers include Adam Brewer, Chris Rich, David Fiedler, Jake Stopp, and Sean Ross.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Kelly family.