Kelly, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at age 91, on May 24, 2023, in Capitola, Cali.
Kelly was born in Simpson, Minn., on November 6, 1931, on the family farm. Daughter of Ella and Martin Sethre, she grew up in Preston, Minn., graduating from Preston High School in 1949. She attended St. Olaf College for a year, then transferred to a Nursing Program in Minneapolis and became a Pediatric RN working at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis. Kelly met Alan Hymes, then a medical student at Fairview Hospital, and after a couple of years of dating, married in 1956. Right away she and Al started a family and she devoted the next 25 years raising her five children, while Al pursued his medical training and ultimately became a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Kelly was a passionate environmentalist, loved nature, gardening and was a life-long supporter of the Arboretum Society. She was a member of the Minneapolis chapter of the League of Women Voters. She was an accomplished pianist.
Kelly was preceded in death by her parents Ella and Martin Sethre, and brothers Robert and Donald.
She is survived by her five children: Charles, Cary, Alex, Andrea and Alan; her six grandchildren: Olivia, Ella, Camille, Ava, Miles, and Thalia; one great-grandson, Leon; nieces and nephews Earl, Terry, Lisa and Jennifer; and many cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5 at 1 p.m., at the Elstad Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, Minn. All family and friends are welcome to attend.