Doris June Kelly, 99, passed into eternity on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Heritage Pointe in Warren, Indiana, where she had resided since March of 2010.
Doris was born on November 24, 1924, in Marion, Indiana, to Thomas Hardin and Anna Elizabeth (Morgan) Purdom and was the third of six siblings. She grew up in Marion and attended Marion High School. On December 24, 1947, she married John Robert “Jack” Kelly after he served his country in the U.S. Army. The couple lived in Marion, California, Maine, and Indianapolis before returning to Marion to be near family after Jack suffered a stroke. They were blessed with 49 years of marriage when Jack passed away in December of 1996.
Doris was fondly known as “Aunt Dory” by three generations of nieces and nephews. As a gesture of love and admiration for Doris and Jack, the name “Kelly” was given to great-niece, “Kelly” (Keene) Wallace, nephew, Robin “Kelly” Lawson, and great-nephew, Troy “Kelly” Havens. While in Indianapolis, Doris and Jack often invited nieces and nephews to visit during the summer. They were treated to picnics at Garfield Park, trips to Riverside Amusement Park, lunch at L.S. Ayres Tea Room, and to the Indy 500 Parade. Aunt Dory never missed a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or special occasion of her extended family. She passed on her extraordinary shopping skills to the next generation. Doris was known for her kind heart, thoughtful deeds, and boundless generosity. She was a cherished member of Woodland Hills Church of Christ in Marion. She and her brother, “Bud” Purdom, while residing at Heritage Pointe, would travel to Marion each Sunday for worship services.
Preceding Doris in death were her parents; her beloved husband; brothers, Gene, Wallace, and Walter; sisters, Marie Burlison and Josephine Lawson; niece, Teresa Cunningham; and nephews, Larry Lawson, Robin Lawson, and Brad Purdom.
Surviving are her nieces, Sandra Criss of Tucson, AZ, Carolyn Keene, Pam Korporal, Paula Coppock, and Laura McGraw; nephews, Tim Purdom, Chris, Scott, and Steve Lawson, and Brian Purdom; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and sister-in-law, Martha Purdom.
We are very appreciative of her wonderful caregivers at Heritage Pointe of Warren.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Doris’ life will begin at 1:00 pm. Galen Miller of Park Street Church of Christ in Lebanon will be officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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