Karen A. Kelley

Karen A. Kelley, 82 of Albion, NE passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, NE.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Albion, with Lonnie Zrust officiating. Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE.

Karen Ann Kelley, daughter of Ralph Carter and Opal Maxine (Seigal) Johnson, was born August 25, 1943, at Albion, NE. She attended Albion Public School, graduating from Albion High School in 1961.

On July 27, 1963, Karen was united in marriage to Edward Michael Kelley at the United Methodist Church in Albion, NE. In addition to raising their children, Karen worked at the Dew Drop Inn and Tom's Sewing Center before working as the elementary secretary for 29 years at Albion Public Schools.

Karen was a member of the United Methodist Church in Albion. She loved angels, getting her nails done, and enjoyed making holiday treats like caramels, gingerbread houses and sugar eggs. She made sure everyone one had a decorated cake for their birthdays. She was an enthusiastic storyteller, loved joking around and trivia. In her years at the Assisted Living and Good Samaritan Home she added spunk on a daily basis. She loved winning at bingo only so she could get prizes for the great-grandkids. She was always a proud Grandma that loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children: Angie (Dan) Zoucha and John (Brea) Kelley, both of Albion, NE; seven grandchildren: Ashley (Nick) Krohn of Albion, NE; Kalvin (Kaleigh) Zoucha of Hahira, GA; Austin (Emily) Zoucha of Stromsburg, NE; Karley Zoucha of Ord, NE; Kaleb Kelley of Bellevue, NE; Bryce Kelley of Albion, NE; Emilie Kelley of Kearney, NE; eight great-grandchildren: Maggie and Sawyer Krohn; Annie, Rae and Noa Zoucha; Eli, Zoey and Grady Zoucha; four siblings: John Johnson of Albion, NE; Donna Eltiste of Fate, TX; Tim (Ronda) Johnson of Lexington, NE; Susie (Clayton) Wenburg of Lexington, NE;  brother-in-law: David Huebner of Jewell, IA; sister-in-law: Norma Johnson of Omaha, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Ed in 2021; infant daughter: Jennifer; siblings: Ralph, Bob, Marilyn, Rex and Linda.