Grace E. "Betty" Kelsey

Grace Elizabeth Armstrong Kelsey was born to Richard A. and Ella May Stewart Armstrong on the family farm in Cleora Oklahoma January 23rd 1924. Passed from this life on Friday, April 8, 2016. Predeceased by her parents and siblings, sisters Panola, Leola, Katherine and brother Riley. Also predeceased in 2012 by her husband of 66 years Lester L Kelsey. Betty grew up on the farm in Cleora and graduated at the age of 16 from Bluejacket High School where she participated in plays, played basketball and was valedictorian. She graduated from Northeastern State College at age 19 with a degree in mathematics and business. While in college she became a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and remained active in the alumnae until recently. Betty located to Tulsa working for Carter oil company and the Tretolite Co. where she met the love of her life Lester L. Kelsey. They were married on May 3rd 1946. To this union were born daughter Laurel Ann and son Howard. Betty taught math in the Tulsa Public School system for 13 years and then left teaching to work with Les in their building business. She handled all of the office duties as well as marketing, sales, decorating, and scheduling. She worked in the business with Les and Howard into her late 80's. Betty volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels, the homebuilders association Ladies Auxiliary where she was their last president and she tutored children math at Asbury Methodist Church where she and Les have been members for many years. She has also been a long-time supporter of her favorite charity Iron Gate. A very kind and gentle soul who always made people comfortable to be around her. She was a licensed real estate broker, fantastic cook and world class multi-tasker. A member of the Cherokee nation. She loved watching football, basketball and golf. She had a passion for fishing and she and her best fishing pal Les made many trips to various destinations. Survivors include, Sister in law Mickey Armstrong, daughter Laurel Ann Wells (Gaddy), son Howard L. Kelsey (Melanie). Grand-children Katy Shaddock (David), Kelsey Duval and Drew Kelsey. Great grand-children Jacob and Sara Beth Shaddock, Kyler and Cole Duval and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Iron Gate charity. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the administration and staff of The Arbors Assisted Living, Unversity Village and Family Choice Hospice for the incredible care they all extended to our mother. We are profoundly grateful and thankful for your assistance. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M., Monday, April 11, 2016 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Asbury United Methodist Church-Mason Chapel, 6767 S. Mingo, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com

Grace E. "Betty" Kelsey

January 23, 1924 - April 8, 2016