Ruth Ann (Byerley) Kelley, daughter of the late Casper and Eunice (Sartor) Byerley was born on October 17, 1951 in Rock Island, IL and departed this life on August 21, 2024 at the Autumn Oaks Care Center surrounded by family and friends.

Ruth grew up in Mtn. Grove, MO and attended Morning Sun School and Mtn. Grove High School.  She was united in marriage to Donnie Gene Kelley on April 1, 1970  and to this union three sons were born, George Allen, Patrick and Jeremiah.

Ruth enjoyed listening to music, quilting, sewing, woodworking and spending time with her family and friends.  She loved all things history; including genealogy and would talk for hours about it.  She worked at Brown Shoe Factory for many years and also milked cows off and on throughout the years.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donnie Gene "Peanut"; an infant son, George Allen; three brothers, Hurley Byerley, Alfred Byerley and Frank Keehner and one sister, Debbie Mayfield.  She is survived by two sons, Patrick Kelley and wife, Nancy of Raymore, MO and Jeremiah Kelley and wife, Malea of Norwood, MO; three grandsons, Sean Kelley and wife, Alina of Houston, TX, Jadyn Kelley and Jaxyn Kelley of Norwood, MO; four brothers, David Byerley of Norwood, MO, Charles Byerley and wife, Marilyn of Sparta, MO, Richard Keehner and wife, Teresa of Mtn. Grove, MO and Robert Keehner and wife, Angie of Norwood, MO; one sister, Shirley Johnson of Mtn. Grove, MO; sister-in-law, Terri Keehner of Cabool, MO; brother-in-law, Orland Mayfield of Mtn. Grove, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends that will miss her dearly.  A special Thank You to Leah Vaughan for all the help and support she provided over the last several months.