Ramon Rudolph "Rudy" Kelley Obituary (1924

Ramon "Rudy" Kelley, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, passed away on January 4, 2018. He was born on December 20, 1924 in Springfield, Missouri to his parents Charles and Katherine Kelley. He was 93 years of age. He spent his childhood in the small Missouri towns of Springfield and Ozark. At age 15, he moved with his family to Bakersfield, California, then to Los Angeles and graduated from high school in Los Angeles. He spent a year at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. Rudy joined the Army in 1943 and served in World War II where he was part of the Pacific Theatre, Leyte Island, and the Philippine War. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he then worked in car sales and management. Rudy and his wife, Kay were married in 1948 and spent 56 years together until she passed away in 2004. Rudy started playing tennis at the age of 12 and was still playing at 86! He loved music (especially from the 40's to the 70's). Rudy loved his years flying as a private pilot and being a member of the Civil Air Patrol in California. He continued to keep up on Aviation news, driving, eating good food, and playing Rummy Cube with friends. But most of all spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his very special friend, Patti. Rudy was known by friends as being respectful, honest, kind, considerate, and very positive. He will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him. Rudy is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Kelley (Jerry Coons) and Joanne (William) Tinnelly, of Upland, California; two grandchildren, Kristen Tinnelly, of Ladera Ranch, California and Greg (Heather) Tinnelly, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; four great-grandchildren, Johnny, Brenna, Kalei, and Keaton and nephew, Patrick (Wilma) Kelley. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card to the family, go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.