Phoebe Ann Dennis Kelly peacefully passed away on July 18, 2018. She fought the good fight until the very end. Phoebe is predeceased by her parents, R. Luther and Sybil Dennis. Also, her sister, Marsha Brock. Phoebe is survived by her devoted husband of more than 56 years, Richard Kelly. She is also survived by her son and wife, Richard, Jr. and Leah Kelly. Grandchildren, Madison and Ryan Kelly. Daughter and husband, Kathleen and Richard Crowe. Grandchildren, Connor and Kelsey Crowe. Brother and wife, Mares and Ann Dennis of Mesquite, Texas. A special recognition of her good former neonatal nursing friends, who have kept in touch with Phoebe Ann over the years.
Phoebe Ann was born in Tyler, Texas, January 25, 1940. She was a devout Methodist all of her life. She was a 1958 John Tyler High School Alumnus, Tyler, Texas, a 1961 graduate of Texas Eastern School of Nursing, Tyler, Texas. Also, a graduate of Southwest Texas State in San Marcos, Texas.
Phoebe Ann married Richard Kelly on March 24th, 1962 in her parents’ home. Phoebe Ann and Richard met while employed at Brackenridge Hospital, Austin, Texas. Richard was a University of Texas student and Phoebe Ann was a student/graduate nurse.
Phoebe Ann was employed by the main St. David’s Hospital in Austin for more than 42 years. She was a head nurse in the newborn-premature nursey, then promoted to director of nursing of the NICU at St. David’s. In 1988, she was selected as “Nurse of the Year”. She returned to school to earn a degree. Phoebe has been respected by her fellow NICU nursing staff and physicians over the years.
Phoebe Ann enjoyed hiking the trails of the national parks. She had an Advanced SCUBA diving certification. Phoebe Ann was very active in agility dog competitions with her talented Havanese, Torre di Pietra, in recent years. The “Kelly” agility team won many events. Phoebe also enjoyed attending Bethany United Church services in Austin and was an active member of the Searchers Class.
A celebration of this lovely, and talented woman’s life with family and friends will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church, Austin, Texas on Monday, July 23 at 10:00 p.m. She will be sorely missed by all.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Kelly family.
