Mary Ruth Kelley

Mary was born on December 21, 1936 to Mary Elizabeth Morris and Raymond Bruce Morris and raised by Thelma Marguerite Morris and went peacefully to rest in her Lord on January 8, 2017.

Mary's first career was a waitress and she loved all her customers. After she married her husband Bob they started their own trucking business and moved to Bakersfield in 1976.

Mary loved to travel and on one of these trips Mary and Bob hitch-hiked 1100 miles around Canada and Alaska. She visited Germany, Italy and Japan to visit her military sons. They have also toured more than half of the U.S. as well as many other foreign countries. Mary learned to drive a Semi Truck and took many long trips with dad taking turns driving. She also learned to fly a plane, sail on the open seas with their 28 foot vessel and was a licensed ham radio operator. She opened her home to many foreign exchange students and developed a life long relationship with them and their families.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Robert E. Kelley, survived by her loving children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Mary was always a loving and giving person who shared her love, time and resources with others. She is loved greatly and will be missed by all who knew her.

Published in Bakersfield Californian on Jan. 14, 2017

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.