Etta Kelley Obituary (1916 - 2010)

Etta Laura Beal Kelley, born November 1, 1916 went to be with her savior March 10, 2010. She was also known be many as Nana or Aunt Etta. Etta was born on Beals Island the daughter of George F. and Emma S (Woodward) Beal.Etta was a loving wife of 74 years to the late Shirley G. Kelley who died March 2009 at the age of 96. Mrs. Kelly was a wonderful and inspirational mother to her three children the late Betty Lou (Kelley) Merchant, Arnold L. Kelley of West Gardiner and his deceased wife Wilma Kelley and Ardis M. Tibbetts and her husband Bill both of Augusta. She was a beloved Nana or Nana K to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as special aunt, daughter, and friend to many. Most of all she was a child of God. Mrs. Kelley did the best to be sure her children knew God and she attended the Advent Christian Church in Beals all through her life until age 88 when she moved to Augusta with her daughter Ardis and husband Bill she then attended the Chelsea Advent Christian Church where she made many new friends. For as long as she was able Eta baked pies for the men's fellowship and the married couples group of her church, she was known for having the best chocolate or banana cream pies. Her island family and friends would stop by the homestead for a coffee a slice of pie and great conversation. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her. Etta enjoyed life and tried to make life easier for everyone she new. He philosophy was others first. Whether it was watching children for family or hanging out laundry for her Aunt Lizzie Beal or even washing floors and doing laundry for her mother. Etta also found time to work outside of the home. She worked in the sardine and blueberry factories for many years. She was a very special Mom; one of our favorite memories as children was sitting by the old oil stove with the oven door open for extra heat and being read to by her. Our mom passed on her love of reading books and the enjoyment it brought.Etta was educated in the Beals school system and was on the High School basketball team. She was also a great swimmer.Etta was predeceased by her parents and siblings Eldon Beal, Eli Beal, Kathleen (Beal) Newcomb, Wandell Beal, Arnold Beal, Alfreda (Beal) Libby, Clinton Buddy Beal, Ernestine (Beal) Alley and one special friend that were as close as a sister could be Louisa Crowley.Etta leaves behind a sister Iona (Beal) Woodward of Jonesport, a granddaughter Laurie (Alley) Dyer and her husband Matthew, their three children Joshua and Kayla Tobias of West Gardiner and PFC Zachary Tobias of the US Army, Savannah, Georgia, grandsons, Audwin Merchant and wife Susie and their five children, Anthony, Kaitlin, Matthew, Stephen, and Kirsten Betty Lou of Dallas, TX., David Merchant and his daughter Angel Richard of Marietta, Georgia, and Jesse merchant, Jr., and wife Laura and their three children, Alisha, Jessica, and Ashley of Marietta, Georgia, son-in-law Jesse Merchant, Sr. and his wife Bettina of Jonesport, many nephews and nieces and two who were very close Billy Harden and Rev. George Woodward, a special cousin Ardis Burtt of Pembroke, Ma.Visiting hours will be held at Staples Funeral Home 53 Brunswick Ave. Gardiner Saturday March 13th from 4 to 7pm. A funeral service will be held Sunday at the Chelsea Advent Christian Church at 2pm officiated by the Rev. George L. Woodward of Beals, Me and Pastor David York of Chelsea. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Beals Advent Christian Church c/o Donna Whitaker 65 Longwood Ave. Augusta 04330