Obituaries

Mary Lea Kelly, 85 of Rocky Fork Road, Orlando, WV; (Gilmer County), departed this earthly life in the afternoon hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023 at her residence with her loving family by her side.

She was born April 1, 1938 in Weston, WV; daughter of the late Madison and Laura (Riffle) Freeman.

Mary was a homemaker who loved caring for her family. She worked for a time as a waitress and bus driver and in her spare time she enjoyed going to yard sales, collecting Fenton Glass wear, spending time with family and friends, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible.

In 1978 Mary was united in marriage to Clarence Eugene “Gene” Kelly, who preceded her in death on June 6, 2022

Surviving are 3 sons, Jerry Persinger of Orlando, WV; James “Jim” Persinger and companion Bonnie Large of Belleville, WV; and Thomas Kelly (Jann) of Belpre, OH; and 2 siblings, Jean Leggett of Burnsville and Richard Freeman (Sue) of Burnsville, WV.

Also surviving are a host of grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and a several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.

Along with her husband and parents, Mary is preceded in death by 2 sons, Dana Paul Persinger and Charles Edward Persinger, 3 grandchildren, Nathan, Jacob, and Craig Persinger, a great-granddaughter, Allie Hickman, and a sister Susie Dotson.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 1:00 PM; Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Burial will follow in the Heater Cemetery near Orlando, WV. Friends will be received from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM Wednesday at the mortuary in Glenville.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Mary Lea Kelly with burial arrangements.