Ethel P. Kelsey

Ethel P. Kelsey, age 89, 300 Fifth St., Benton, died at 2:06 a. m. Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where was a patient for one week.

Born in Danville on November 1, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Jesse J. and Esther A (Rogers)  Crossley.  She was a 1942 graduate of Benton High School.

Ethel resided in Benton since 1989 and previously resided in Maple Grove, near Benton. She was employed part time in the cafeteria of the Benton Area High School for several years.

She was an active member of the Benton Christian Church, where she sang in the choir and took part in Mrs. Jay’s Class of the Sunday school.

Ethel enjoyed playing cards, knitting, crocheting and traveling.

She was preceded in death by a son, Robert E. Kelsey on July 8, 2010; a daughter, Sue Ellen Kelsey on  Jan. 31, 1955; and an infant daughter on July 3, 1961; a brother, Earl E. Crossley and a sister, Betty A. Seidel.

Surviving are her husband, Kenneth R. Kelsey, with whom she celebrated her 69th wedding anniversary on November 1, 2013;  five children: Sandra K., wife of Robert R. Hess; James A. Kelsey; Ronald W. Kelsey, and his wife Cheryl; Jeffrey E. Kelsey, and his wife Sandra K.; all of Benton; and  Lynn E., wife of Kenneth W. Sutton, Sr., Palmerton; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and a daughter in law, Sandra Kelsey, Langhorne. She was the last of her immediate family and  is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:30 a. m. in the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service,  Benton, with her pastor, Rev. Dr. David Mansfield officiating. Interment in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p. m.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be sent to the Benton Christian Church, P. O. Box 264, Benton, PA 17814.