Clara Kelsey

Clara Juanita Kelsey, born Oct. 13, 1927, in Marion, passed away Jan. 22, 2009, at her home in Dewey, Okla.

Clara attended schools in the Marion school system through high school. In 1945, she went to Los Angeles, Calif., where she met Walter F. Adams, a Seabee in the U.S. Navy, and they later married in Albuquerque, N.M.

Clara and Walter were devoted companions for 49 years until Walter’s passing in 1995.

They had two children, Carole J. Robel of Gravette, Ark., and Jon M. Adams of Centerton, Ark. Clara and Walter raised their family in Lincoln, Neb., moving the country near Bentonville, Ark., to retire when Walter became ill. Clara lovingly cared for Walter until his death. They were faithful and active members of the Pea Ridge Presbyterian Church.

Clara attended her 50th high school reunion in Marion, and enjoyed the company of her former farm neighbor, church member, and classmate M. Keith Kelsey, who also had moved to Rogers, Ark.

Keith had been a colleague of Walter’s at State Farm Insurance Co., in their early years and was known to the family as a kind, intelligent, and Christian man.

Clara and Keith were married July 18, 1996, and lived in Rogers for a few years before striking out for Prescott, Ariz. They enjoyed their years exploring the southwest and other travels before returning in 2003 to closer proximity to family in Arkansas and Kansas. They lived in Dewey, where Clara and Keith were members of the Dewey Christian Church.

Clara was a lifelong member of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron in Myrtle Chapter #94 in Lincoln, Neb.; and of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution).

She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, both her and Keith’s. Daughter Carole’s children, Christopher of Baltimore, Md., and Eric of Manhattan, N.Y., loved their grandmother very much. Eric has one son, Zak Vladimir Robel. Her son Jon’s children, Jesse Adams of Springdale, Ark., and daughter Jaime Cruz of Cleveland, Ohio, enjoyed living near their grandmother during their school years. Jesse has a son, Benyamin Tevye Adams. Jaime has a daughter, Isabella Jimena Cruz. Clara greatly loved and was loved by her stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Keith, and siblings Edna Gekas of Lincoln, Neb., and William Grimes of Hutchinson, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Clara and Keith had a loving relationship and numerous adventures in their later years. Keith cared for her every need as she fell ill and then quietly passed away in their home.

A memorial service to celebrate Clara’s life and faith will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 27, at the Dewey Christian Church. Interment of her ashes will be delayed and will be at Marion Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Dewey Christian Church, 900 N. Wyandotte, Dewey OK 74029 or to the Daughters of the American Revolution, c/o Bartlesville Women’s Club, 601 SE Shawnee, Bartlesville OK 74003.

Clara knew she was going to her heavenly home and looked forward to being with her Lord.