Rose Louise Kelly, 90, passed away January 30, 2025, at The University of Kansas Health Systems, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on April 20, 1934, in Meeteesee, Wyoming, to Charles Myrle and Agnes (Sayles) Dixon. On October 26, 1956, she married Carroll Kelly in Wamego, Kansas. He passed on May 21, 1998.

A longtime resident of Great Bend, Rose was a dedicated teacher for 57 years. She spent the majority of those years teaching at Roosevelt Junior High School, then after a brief retirement, became a long-term substitute teacher for USD 428. Rose was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and spent much time serving its committees and groups. She was an extremely active member of the community, with a few of the many organizations being League of Women Voters, Central Kansas Public Library Board, Barton County Historical Society Board, and Social Order of the Beauceant. Rose was an avid bridge player, belonging to many bridge clubs. But the activity that gave her the most joy was spending time with family, especially attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events. 

Survivors include daughter, Debhra “Debbie” Fegan and husband T. Michael of Wichita; three grandchildren, Justin Kelly and wife Corry, Cody Kelly and wife Jessica, and Brianna Mahin and husband Jacey, all of Great Bend; eleven great grandchildren, Hayden, Brooklynn, Baylie, Harper, Raelynn, Kimber, Colson, Chloe, Callan, Charlotte, and Madelynn; and daughter-in-law, Laura Brown and husband Scott of Great Bend.

She is preceded in death by her husband; son, Charles “Chuck” Kelly; parents; and sister, Dorothy Dixon.

Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, with The Reverend Teresa Lahar presiding. Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2025, with family receiving guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials have been designated to St. John’s Episcopal Church or USD 428 (for Food Services to ensure school lunches for all children), in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

 Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 4, 2025