Betty M. Kelley

Betty M. (Schultz) Kelley passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 85 surrounded by her family in her son’s home in Harvard, IL. She was born on September 7, 1940, the first of three children born to Harold and Decima Flemming. After graduating from Harvard High School, Betty married Kenneth Schultz on June 3, 1959. They raised two children, Brian and Lori, in Harvard. Betty subsequently obtained a degree in education from Northern Illinois University and taught at Harvard High School for 20 years. Following her retirement, Betty and Ken moved to Hot Springs Village, AR where they shared many happy years until Ken passed away in 2009, after 50 years of marriage. Betty was a talented bridge player and played in the Hot Springs Village Card Club until her final days. It was at the card club that she met Kim Kelley whom she married on October 28, 2017.

Betty is survived by her husband, Kim Kelley; children Brian (Ellen) Schultz and Lori (Eric) Seagren; her sister Karen Gibboney; brother Tim Flemming; 7 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; Kim’s daughter Brooke (Jeff) Reedy, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Decima (Davis) Flemming and her first husband Kenneth Schultz.

Services for Betty will be private.

Memorial donations can be made in Betty’s honor to Mercyhealth Hospice Foundation, 2350 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. 

Betty’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the caring staff of Mercyhealth Hospice, especially Mandi, Katey, Susie, Tracy, Jessica, Dawn, Chaplain Randy, and Julie, whose compassion and kindness brought lasting comfort in Betty’s final days.