Obituary of Melrose J. Johnston Kelley

Melrose Johnston Kelley, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, slipped from her family’s hand and into God’s on Saturday, August 6, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E Kelley, and her eldest son, Christopher R Kelley, who changed his name to Reuben Ben Jacobson. She leaves behind her adoring son, Eric J Kelley, and his wife, Melissa J Kelley, along with four grandsons: Nicholas (Megan); Nathaniel (Nicolette); Timothy (Meliah); and Thomas (Amber). Melrose is also survived by eight great-grandchildren who will forever remember her as Gigi: Ethan, Kaitlyn, and Owen (Nicholas and Megan); Elijah, Evelyn, and Luke (Nathaniel and Nicolette); and Declan and Rosalie (Timothy and Meliah). A memorial service was held for her on August 11, 2022.

Melrose recently celebrated her 93rd birthday with her family. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA on a small family farm. She married her husband, Ralph, in April 1947; they enjoyed 49 wonderful years together. She belonged to numerous organizations in her lifetime. The most memorable was the Penn Hebron Garden Club, where she received numerous state awards for her flower arrangements and moved on to become a florist. After moving to Margate, Florida, in 1974, Melrose provided beautiful flower arrangements for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, where she and Ralph were members. After many years, Melrose and her husband moved their membership to Coral Gables Presbyterian Church, where she is still a member.

Melrose also received Fort Lauderdale’s Citizen of the Year award during her employment at Harris Corporation for volunteering at numerous community events. After the passing of her husband in 1996, she moved to Denver, CO (2002) to be near her son Eric. She lived at Cathedral Towers in downtown Denver and loved the people, staff, and activities.

Although Melrose will be dearly missed by all who loved her, we ALL rejoice and take comfort in the fact that she is celebrating in heaven with her savior Jesus Christ and all the saints that have gone before her. The family welcomes donations to the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Garden Fund in her name.