Elma Caroline Kelly

Former long-time Palmer resident, Elma Caroline Ilkka Kelly, passed away on May 3, 2015 at Mantey Heights Rehab & Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she had resided for the past two years.

Elma was born February 23, 1916 in Lapua, Finland. In 1921 she immigrated to the United States with her father, mother, and brother Tauno, landing at Ellis Island on her fifth birthday. For many years her family lived on a farm outside of Palmer. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1934. After graduation Elma worked as a personal housekeeper, as a maid at the Mather Inn, as a seamstress at the Gossard, as a nurse's aide at the Palmer Nursing Home, and as a receptionist and dental assistant for Dr. Ray Johnson in Negaunee. Upon retiring in 1976 she re-visited Finland. Elma married William Kelly of Ishpeming on September 21, 1940. They first lived in Ishpeming but moved to Kirkpatrick St. in Palmer in 1945 where they lived for 58 years. They were active members of Concordia Lutheran Church. Elma and Bill also enjoyed spending time at their camp on Bass Lake. In 2003 Elma and Bill moved to Grand Junction, CO, but in her heart she always lived in Palmer.

Elma was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Sophie Ilkka, her brother and sister-in-law, Tauno and Therese Ilkka, and her husband, Bill, in 2006. She is survived by her son, Jack (Karen) Kelly of Moscow, Idaho, her daughter, Carol (Terry) Anderson of Grand Junction, CO, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 niece and 3 nephews and their families.

Per her request, cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held at the Negaunee Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, with the Rev. Thomas Norquist officiating. In lieu of flowers please enjoy a cup of coffee and a sugar lump in Elma's memory. Elma will be happy to be home again.