Mary Lou Kelley

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mary Lou (Boyer) Kelly entered into her heavenly home on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

She was born on December 23, 1928, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, the daughter of William and Olive (McAferty) Boyer. She graduated from Joplin High School with the class of 1946. After high school, she married Joseph J. Kelly, Sr., on February 7, 1948, and together they were blessed with 69 years of marriage before his passing on January 25, 2018. She worked as a bookkeeper for Kelly Insurance and the Kelly Loan Co for 42 years. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Joplin, MO. She was a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. She was a former board member of the Joplin Women’s Club. Above all, Mary Lou was devoted to her family who remember her as a wonderful, loving mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her two sons, Joseph Kelly, Jr. and wife, Joan, of Springfield, MO, and Bob Kelly and wife, Candace, of Joplin, MO; three grandchildren, Alison George and husband, Chris, Joseph Kelly III and wife, Jessica, of Springfield, MO, and Brennen Kelly; and four great-grandchildren, Blake George, Remi George, Bay Kelly, and Joseph Kelly IV.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. Burial to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.