Doris Dale Kelly

Doris D. Kelly, 80, formerly of Albion, NE, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Country House in Grand Island, NE.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Levander Funeral Home, 1555 S. 6th Street , Albion, NE, with Rev. Lynde Linde officiating. Private family interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion, NE. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at Levander Funeral Home, 1555 S. 6th Street , in Albion, NE.

Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Doris Dale Kelly, daughter of Norman Dale and Bertha "Toots" Elizabeth (Philmalee) Reynoldson was born on April 25, 1943, in Albion, NE. She attended and graduated from Albion High School with the class of 1961.

Doris married Gerald Dawson in Albion, NE. From this union Doris was blessed with her son, Ken. They lived in the western part of Nebraska. The couple later divorced. Following her divorce Doris worked at Good Samaritan Society at night before starting her floral business.

On June 14, 1991, Doris was united in marriage to Robert Kelly at the United Methodist Church in Albion, NE. The couple made their home in Albion, NE. From this union Doris gained two stepchildren.

Doris opened the doors to Doris's Floral & Gifts in 1975. Her business quickly grew, and she purchased a bigger store front in 1982. From there Doris opened a satellite store in Petersburg in 1993 which closed in 1997 when the building was sold. She then purchased a store in Newman Grove in 1996. Both of her stores served the communities of Albion, Cedar Rapids, Elgin, Petersburg, Primrose, St. Edward, Spalding, Genoa, Humphrey, Lindsay, and Tilden.

Doris was a member of the United Methodist Church, Albion's Chamber of Commerce, Florist Society, and Women of Loretto. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family throughout the many years. Doris also enjoyed going camping and fishing during the summer months and hunting in the fall and winter with her husband, Bob.

Doris was a very successful mother, grandmother, and businesswoman. She worked long hard hours and may have had a little competitiveness to her. From her business to playing a game of dominos, pool, or badminton. She was not very particular LOL. Everyone that knew Doris would agree from her arrangements, yard, and vehicles that she was trying to improve. Whenever she really liked something, she would incorporate it.  And yes! She probably made a comment if it wasn't to her liking. She loved long drives, picking up seashells, maybe having a beer or two. Wait! Stop! – we can't forget the ice cream!

Doris is survived by her son: Ken (Corrine) Dawson of Ord, NE; stepdaughter: Cindy Gessert and friend Todd Noecker of Omaha, NE; stepson: Jason (Shawna) Kelly of Blue Springs, MO; grandchildren: Karyn (Cameron) Gross of Seward, NE; Kurtis (Kylie) Dawson of Newman Grove, NE; Skyler, Olivia, Neleigh, and Norah Gessert all of Omaha, NE; Liam Kelly of Blue Springs, MO; great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Karaline, and Sophie Gross all of Seward, NE; Kasen and Krew Dawson of Newman Grove, NE; brothers: Bill Reynoldson of Punta Gorda, FL; Norm (Darlene) Reynoldson of Albion, NE; sister: Sherry Schumacher of Worland, WY; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Robert Kelly; infant son: Curtis Dawson; grandparents; sister-in-law: Mary Reynoldson; brother-in-law: Jerry Schumacher.