Betty Kelley

Betty Kelley, 94, longtime resident of Merrimack, passed away Saturday Oct. 21, 2023 surrounded by her loving family after her struggle with Alzheimer’s which she endured with quiet dignity.

Betty was born in Manchester, NH on March 24, 1929 and attended St. Joseph Elementary and High Schools. She was a graduate of Hesser College with an Associate of Business Administration degree. Betty was the devoted wife of her loving husband of 68 years, Marty Kelley(predeceased) and proud mother of 3 daughters: JoAnne(Kevin) O’Leary, DiAnne(Steve) Bazzocchi, SuzAnne(Pete) Ketchum and 2 sons: Marty Kelley and Shawn(Lindsay) Kelley, 11 grandchildren: Sean(Brandy) and Katie(Trey) O’Leary, Charlie(Laura) and Corey(Alicia) Ploss, Nathan(Haley) Bazzocchi, Shanna, Ian(Aime), Brett(Magen) Ketchum, Joel(Alejandra) Kelley , Devin and Jordan(Burke) Kelley, and 12 great-grandchildren: Ryan and Kyle O’Leary, McKenzie Mowell, Ralph IV, Drew Ploss(predeceased), Tyler, Owen, Carson, Calan and Annabella Ploss, Mason and Liam Ketchum.

Betty showed her love of community by serving as an active member of Our Lady of Mercy Church and Ladies Guild, Reeds Ferry Women’s Club and Merrimack Welcome Wagon. She could always be found around town chauffeuring and attending her children’s numerous activities as well as hosting social gatherings for her family, friends and business associates. Betty thoroughly took delight in celebrating and decorating for every holiday and special occasion. While nurturing her 5 children Betty volunteered to conduct the town census. If she sensed someone was in need she went out of her way to provide whatever was needed. Betty was a part-time secretary at the rectory of Our Lady of Mercy Church for many years and later retired from her employment as an administrative assistant at Radio Shack.

Betty enjoyed music and dancing, traveling and camping near and far with her family, playing cards, skiing, bowling, water skiing, and Baboosic Lake activities. She was, of course, a loyal and enthusiastic fan of family and community sports! She generously welcomed extended family members, friends and neighbors as well as the friends of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren into her home while serving her legendary cakes, cookies and pies. Betty will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

Calling hours will be held in the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack on Friday Oct. 27, 2023 from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack on Saturday Oct. 28, 2023 at 9:30 am, followed by a graveside service at Last Rest Cemetery across the street from the church. We invite you to join us for a luncheon at Our Lady of Mercy Church hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Betty’s name to: Benchmark Associate Holiday Fund 70 Hawthorne Dr., Bedford, NH 03110 We are sincerely grateful to The Arbors of Bedford for the kind and compassionate care the staff provided for our Mom over the past two years.