Gladys Christina Kelley, 98, of Centralia, Kansas died on February 16, 2014 at Eastridge Care Home in Centralia.

She was born on October 14, 1915 to Hans and Meta Christina Petersen Rasmussen on a farm near Jacksonville, Iowa. Her mother died when Gladys was three; she attended a country school through the 8th Grade. Her father died when Gladys was 15 years of age; she attended High School in Avoca, Iowa; graduating in 1933. After graduating, she cared for an elderly woman in her home and then worked as a typist for Agriculture Consortium Service. She also worked for her Aunt and Uncle at their café, Parrot Café.

She married William Pierce Kelley on October 7, 1937 in Oakland, Iowa. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage before William’s death on May 2, 1998. The couple made their home in various locations; as William’s employer, Northern Natural Gas, relocated him. In 1957, they moved to Clifton, Kansas where they made their permanent residence. Gladys raised four children and helped her husband with their KHIL Kennels raising dogs for 30years. In 2008 she moved to Centralia to be near her daughter.

She was active in Clifton, with her church, Cub Scouts and 4-H. She was a mother who was very involved and active with her children’s activities. She enjoyed quilting and gardening.

She is survived by her children, William (Pat) Kelley of Prescott, Arizona, David (Jan) Kelley of Raleigh, North Carolina, Jeanne (Dan) Forbes of Wichita, Kansas and Mary Beth (Jack) Robinson of Centralia; 7 grandchildren;12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Besides her husband she is preceded in death by siblings, Raymond, Mabel and Frances.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.