Merrie Kelley

   Merrie Jane Kelley, 74, died on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Elim Care Center in Fargo surrounded by her loving family. According to her family, it’s hard to ‘wrap up 74 years of the most strong, fierce, put together, no nonsense woman ever’!

Merrie was born on April 7, 1950 in Valley City, ND, to Robert and Juliet (Bauer) Downs. She was baptized and confirmed at Epworth Methodist church. She grew up in Valley City and graduated in 1968. After high school, she attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Fargo, earning her Bachelor’s degree. Merrie was a Registered Nurse who was proud to have worked for St. Lukes, then Meritcare, then Sanford. In 1991, Merrie was charged with starting what is now called the My Sanford Nurse. She retired from Sanford after 42 years of nursing.

On June 2, 1972, Merrie was united in marriage to James Kelley in Valley City. They lived in Fargo for a short time before settling in West Fargo, ND. Merrie was a founding member of Flame of Faith United Methodist Church in West Fargo, where she and Jim raised three children: Christopher, Megan & Matthew.

Merrie’s greatest joy was her family. She loved watching her children grow up, develop independent lives of their own, and eventually marry and provide her with grandchildren, whom she deeply loved. Merrie had a love for whatever interest her children or grandchildren had, cheering on gymnastics, swimming, hockey, attending concerts, or just simply carrying pictures and whipping them out to brag when someone would ask. Merrie also loved to read and shop, although much of her shopping was for those loved grandchildren! Merrie was devoted to being exceptional at all things, but being a mother, grandmother and devoted healthcare worker were her most prized accomplishments. “She is going to be missed like crazy!”

Merrie is survived by her husband Jim; children Christopher (Jennifer) Kelley of West Fargo, Megan (Matthew) Riegel of Fargo and Matthew (Kara) Kelley of West Fargo; grandchildren Ryan Kelley, Tia Kelley, Sean Kelley, Emily Kelley, Emma Riegel, Averie Riegel, Harper Kelley and McKinley Kelley; sister Patti Shape of Valley City, ND.

Preceding her in death include her parents Robert and Juliet Downs, and brothers Carl Downs and Robert Downs.

Visitation: Monday, December 2, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Prayer Service: Monday, December 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Flame of Faith United Methodist Church, West Fargo, ND.

Burial:  Tuesday, December 3, 2024 around 1:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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