Colleen was born and raised in Fort Wayne Indiana. She graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School.
She married Mike Kelley in 1954 and they raised two daughters, April and Laura. Over the years, she was a homemaker and later worked part-time for Stillman''s Department Store, Guardian Photo and FWCS Transportation Department. She lived in Waynedale for 37 years and then Roanoke for the past 20 years.
She enjoyed needlework, playing scrabble, visiting various restaurants in Huntington and Fort Wayne, and making trips to the Roanoke Library. She loved spending time with her husband of 62 years, her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her cat. Colleen had many compassionate and caring friends and neighbors.
She was an inspiration to those who knew her. Although she battled cancer for many years, she never allowed it to dictate the way she lived her life.
She was a member of Southwest Lutheran Church on Homestead Road in Fort Wayne, and a "Friend of the Roanoke Library".
She will be missed by her family and friends. Her loving family looks forward to the day when we will all be together again in heaven and are comforted to know that she enjoys peace and health for all eternity in the loving arms or our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Colleen was blessed in her last days by many caring and compassionate friends and neighbors and Hospice (based on Homestead Road).
Honoring Colleen's wishes the family will hold a private service .