Ettie Beadle Kelley

Ettie B. Kelley, 91, of Lafayette, Louisiana, died Friday, 6 April 2012 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. A family gathering was held on 7 April to celebrate her life. Survivors include son, Lieutenant General David Kelley of Lafayette, daughter, Sheilah Kelley-Logan of Satellite Beach, Florida, eight grandchildren: Kevin Kelley (Anne Marie), Keri Kelley Culotta (Glenn), Shawn Kelley, Michael Kelley (Letti), Kristine Kelley Duplechain, Kathryn Kelley, Kimberly Logan, Lindsay Logan, and fifteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellef and Laura Magnon Beadle; her husband, James Kelley; son, Steven Kelley; and grandson, Eric Logan. A native and lifelong resident of Lafayette, she was a 1942 graduate of Southwestern Louisiana Institute. Her teaching career started in Kaplan, Louisiana, and continued throughout her life in Lafayette. The American flag flew at her home every day. She was a patriot who suffered the hard part of war'that of waiting at home for her husband to return from WWII, and then for both of her sons to return from Vietnam. She handled the anguish and uncertainty of the situation with characteristic optimism and positive attitude that was her approach to life. She loved traveling ' she never met a state or country she didn't like'especially Ireland where she visited Father Joe Murtaugh's family (former Our Lady of Fatima priest). Arriving in time for a family wake, she along with her sister-in-law, Margaret Kelley Joyce, discovered the joy of a life toasted with Bailey's Irish Cream. She is the last of her generation in the family. And she made it by overcoming breast cancer at a time when many women died from the disease'early detection, a positive attitude and a caring physician saved her life. The family would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to Dr. John Rainey for his many years of care. She lived life to the fullest extent possible. She often said 'I can't complain. I've had a good life.' By anybody's standard 91 is a great run. Her life was a journey of hope, achievement, optimism and the pursuit of happiness. It was a quintessential American life. She is loved and will be missed. Memorial donations may be sent to Heart of Hospice, 201 West Vermilion Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, was in charge of arrangements.

Ettie Beadle Kelley

August 27, 1920 - April 6, 2012