Earlene S. Kelly

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earlene (Bennett) Kelly aged 79 years, born December 30, 1946 in Norwood, Ohio and died on May 4, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Earlene was surrounded by loved ones in her final hours and is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Jerome Kelly, her five children Laura (Himanshu) Roy, Chris (Amy) Kelly, Cathie (Stuart) Van Vyven, Teresa Kelly and John (Kendall) Kelly. Earlene delighted and took tremendous joy in family - her nieces, nephews, granddogs and especially grandchildren where her loving memory will live on through Narayan, Neil, Grant, Quentin, Nathan, and Brooke. Earlene carried her love for her children onto her grandchildren who adored her. Together they enjoyed many conversations, stories, and lots of hugs and laughter.

Earlene lived a life full of love, devotion, and adventure. Early in their marriage, her husband served overseas in the Air Force. Her children were born across the globe including Ankara, Turkey and San Diego, California, before the family returned home to Cincinnati, Ohio. Along with devoting her life to her husband and five children, Earlene became a gate agent at Comair for 10 years where her generosity and adventurous spirit lived on by flying her family around the world and creating unforgettable memories.

Earlene cared deeply about her church community and had a significant dedication and faith in God, the Blessed Mother, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was committed to living her faith, actively supporting organizations such as Presentation Ministries and volunteering countless hours of her time while extending understanding and compassion to those less fortunate throughout her lifetime. She collaborated to start Holy Family Learning Center, a school co-op where she taught and served as an administrator.

Earlene was always quick with a smile or a joke and took great satisfaction in family traditions while creating a nurturing household that was filled with love, warmth, and laughter. While raising her children, she and her husband Jerry gathered their family together every evening to share a homemade meal and pray together as a family. She was well known for making delicious homemade breads, desserts, and holiday dishes for others to enjoy.

The outdoors and nature held a special place in Earlene’s heart, and she often spent time feeling the sun and breeze from her back patio while enjoying the birds, flowers, and sunsets. Earlene frequently recalled memories of family vacations, holidays, and time spent at “the land” in Manchester, Indiana.

Earlene was an avid reader, extraordinary writer, and storyteller. Her sense of humor, quick wit, and long meaningful conversations will always be remembered and treasured. Earlene had a gift of making the ordinary feel special. To love and be loved was the core of Earlene’s gentle heart and spirit. Her legacy and impact on her family and community will be remembered for generations.

Our Lady, our Mother, Holy Family, pray for us.

Visitation will be held on THURSDAY, May 14, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St Jude Church, 5924 Bridgetown Rd., at 10:30 AM, burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, and concluding with a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Metzcor, 2859 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238, (https://www.metzcor.com/donatenow) or to Presentation Ministries, 3230 McHenry Ave, Cincinnati, OH 4521 (https://www.presentationministries.com/donate).