Virginia Kelly

Leona Virginia (Heddinghaus) Kelly, 92, of Holiday Acres Lake, Cairo, Mo passed away peacefully on January 2, 2023 while being cared for at her home by her loving family.   Virginia was a woman of deep faith; her genuine compassion and kindness were second nature to her.

Virginia was born on October 18, 1930 at the family farmhouse near Sugar Creek Lake in Randolph County, Mo. to Edward Bernard and Justina Mary (Schmidt) Heddinghaus. Virginia was born sixth of eight children. Siblings Noramae Flaspohler, Leonard Heddinghaus, Donald Heddinghaus, Clarence Heddinghaus, Mary Margaret Moore, Virginia Kelly, Gertrude Evans, and Maurice “Moe” Heddinghaus are all finally reunited in the loving embrace of their parents.

Virginia and A.B. Kelly were united in marriage at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Moberly, Mo on Sept 2, 1950 and recently celebrated an unprecedented 72 years of marriage. Since A.B.’s retirement 22 years ago, they have spent every day together on their retirement adventures. They wintered in Florida, loved to visit new places, and one year traveled to Las Vegas 16 times where Virginia won several slots tournaments.

Virginia’s artistic talent was showcased in her many oil paintings, ceramics, flower arrangements, gardening, sewing and hand quilting. Her pride & joy were her family and she lives on in all of them.

Virginia is survived by husband, A.B. Kelly and five children: Beverly Jones and her husband Ken of Brunswick, Mo, Carl Kelly and his wife Kelli of Moberly, Terry  Kelly and his wife Connie of Moberly, Steve Kelly and his wife Cathy of Moberly and Monica McPherson of Columbia, Mo.  She is also survived by 14 living grandchildren; Angie (Bill) Joraleman, Stephanie Jones, Mindy (Mike) Beebe, Sara Kelly, Sean (Sara) Kelly, Erin (Nick) Howat, Darik (Julie) Kelly, Brandon (Bethany) Kelly, Jared (Lindsay) Kelly, Alex McPherson, Tara (Adam) Weber, Adam McPherson, Austin Kelly, Lauren Kelly (Kyle Joseph). QVirginia, also, cherished her 20 great grandchildren.  Other survivors include sister-in-law Shirley (Moe) Heddinghaus, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, 7 siblings, granddaughter Jessica Lynn Kelly, and grandson Mark Andrew Kelly.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our hospice team; Denise, Daniel, Ali, Amy, Destiny, and everyone at Boone Health Hospice. Their support and guidance made it possible for us to care for Mom in her own home.

 In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests a donation to St Pius X Church..

 A funeral  Mass of the Resurrection was held at St Pius X Catholic Church.  Private committal services, prayers and burial took place in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.