Mary E. Kelley
Mary E. Kelley
Mary E. Kelley, 87, of Hillsboro, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Mary was born Jan. 29, 1939, in Sugartree Ridge, the daughter of the late Willie Igo and Esther (Chaney) Watts.
Mary was a cherished member of her community and a beloved figure in the lives of her family and friends. She embodied the warmth and joy that made her feel like everyone's grandmother, touching the hearts of all who knew her.
Mary dedicated her career as a cook at the Hills & Dales Training Center, where her culinary skills and nurturing spirit earned her the appreciation and love of those around her. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and delicious meals, where she shared not only food but also her boundless kindness.
An avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Mary found joy in watching the games and cheering for her team. She also loved gathering with family and friends for card games and enjoyed the challenge of piecing together puzzles, activities that brought her closer to her loved ones.
Mary is survived by her son, Roy (Carmen) Kelley of Chillicothe; her daughters, Darlene (Russ) Boone of New Vienna and Linda Marie (Bill) Jones of New Hampshire; her sister, Donna Mae Huff of Leesburg; and her grandchildren, Julie Nichols, Sharon Gendreau, Brooke Robinson, Zach Boone, Reed Boone, Gabrielle Boone and Spencer Boone; along with 10 great-grandchildren who were the light of her life; several nieces, nephews, cousins, special friend, Matt Colello and a host of friends also survive.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-father, Roy Watts; her husband, Lee D. Kelley who passed away on Dec. 19, 1963; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Burch and Delcie Kelley; three brothers, Lloyd, Harold and Hugh Igo; and a sister, Freda Creed.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 29 from 2-5 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 241 E. Main St., Hillsboro.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 30 at the Thompson Funeral Home with JD Lyle officiating. Graveside service will follow in the Prospect Cemetery.
Mary Kelley's spirit, kindness, and love will forever be remembered, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered in every shared meal, every game, and every moment spent together.
Family requests memorials to the donor's favorite charity.
To sign Mary's online guest book, visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com, or to leave a like, share or comment, please visit the Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Care Facebook page.