Father Frank F. Kelly, age 75, passed away Monday, September 30, 2013 at Billings Health & Rehab, surrounded by his family.
Frank Findlay Kelly was born in Broadus, Montana on August 13, 1938 to Archie and Audrey (Vowel) Kelly. He attended country school and Sacred Heart Catholic School in Miles City, graduating in 1957. One of his specialties was cooking. After being in the Army Reserve for five years, he attended chef school. He became head chef at a resort in Boca Rotan, Florida and Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone Park. In 1973, he attended Pope John the 23rd Seminary in Westin, Massachusetts. He was ordained a priest in 1977 at St. Ann’s Cathedral in Great Falls.
He was a member of the Miles City J.C.’s, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and Chaplin for the D.C.C.W. After being in a nursing home in Great Falls, he entered the Billings Health and Rehab, April 2,2005 to join his brother, John. He enjoyed traveling and eating out. Since this was limited, he settled for Saturday breakfast at the Muzzle Loader with family. He was confined to a wheelchair as both legs were amputated due to diabetes, along with weekly dialysis. He was always positive, had remarkable faith and was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. He was loved, cherished and will be missed.
Frank is preceded in death by his mother, father, four brothers: Earl, Bob, John and Willis and a sister Marge Rockwell. He is survived by his brother, Glen (Susan) of Waldport, OR; sisters-in-law: Sue Arang, Betty Kelly and Chris Kelly; brother-in-law Gary Rockwell and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Billings Health and Rehab for their excellent loving care. He loved and appreciated them all.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 7, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday October 6, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT
Rosary Service
7:00 p.m.
Sunday October 6, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 7, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday October 6, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT
Rosary Service
7:00 p.m.
Sunday October 6, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 7, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, MT
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jane kearney mccauley says
another saint in heaven. condolences from a classmateskipper12
Margie Stallard Pike says
Sorry to hear that Fr. Frank is gone. Since my sister Linda was in his class she kept us up on news about Frank and we often got to see him when we were with her at a reunion. I always remember him smiling and making others smile.
Curt Carter says
Yes when Frank and I were in high school all most every Wednesday we would go to the liberty theater and see a double feature for 20 cents. No matter what the movie was. God be with you Frank and put in a good word for me. Ok?
Curt
Maureen O'Reilly says
My sympathy and prayers are with all Father’s family. I took Communion once a month to the Blgs Rehab center where he was and missed his smile and good nature yesterday. He was always the “bright spot” when we visited.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Frank F. Kelly – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in many wonderful memories and recalling his many talents . It was the Creator’s purpose that mankind live in perfect paradise conditions, with perfect health, not to suffer and die such as initially arranged in the Garden of Eden. God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The Bible gives us hope that soon God will end all suffering, pain, and death. (Revelation 21:4) The promise of Paradise will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth“ (Matt 6:9, 10). It is hoped that you are comforted by the promises in the Bible. (John 17:3).
Miles & Marlene says
We will always remember Frank for his kindness and genuine goodness that seemed to pour out on everyone. I was always amazed by his positive attitude in spite of his illness and disability. I am thankful for his loving support of my Aunt Betty and Uncle John and their family. We are blessed to have known him!
Kelly Cyr says
I cooked and cared for Father Kelly from 2000-2002. I was not much of a cook, but he was very good in teaching me how and always put up with my wild ideas for his dinner. I remember him always saying, “Come to the table, Mayble” when it was time for supper and me kissing the top of his bald head when I left for the evening. As I say, I was somewhat of a novice and can remember how I served him spinach from scratch one night and he commented about how the spinach had gritty manules in it, never criticizing, just commenting on his dinner. Haha, I was in such a hurry, that I hadn’t cleaned the spinach all that well before serving him! He gave me my most prized possession, his collection of over 350 cookbooks with the bookcase before he was moved in the nursing home. His health ever failing, going blind, always falling and hardly able to walk, I never once heard him complain. I was shocked later when I heard his legs were amputated and he was on dialysis. (I’m an ole dialysis nurse and know the horrors of that.) Again, I never heard him complain, always so sweet, with a good sense of humor, he accepted the suffering that was his lot in that last years of his life. Father Kelly, you were a good friend of mine, and I am going to miss you, but I know you and I will be cooking together in Heaven someday. I will always think about you, like I have these last years and remember you fondly… Kelly Cyr, author of “Supreme Love: A Battered Woman’s True Story”
Annette Sloan Bossert says
Dear Kelly Family,
May the Lord comfort your heart as only He can do.
Please accept my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Caroline (Leon) Goard says
When we were in grade school every Sunday afternoon we had dancing at Franks home. Frank was my son’s Godfather. I remember going to Father Frank’s
Ordination. He was a true friend to all!
May Father Frank rest in Peace
Art Thompson says
I used to drive Father Frank to Mass. I looked forward to it then, and I miss it now. He was a prince of a man. He loved good food, good humor, and good company. Sincerest condolences to Betty and the rest of that wonderful family.