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William L. Kelly

William L. Kelly was born on April 12, 1924, in Red Lodge, Mont. He moved to Thermopolis, Wyo., where he lived with his family.

In 1942, he joined the United States Navy and was in the Pacific Theater as a motor-machinist mate, assigned to the Aerial Photographic Squadron VD3 and the Utility Squadron VJ8. In 1946, he received an honorable discharge.

On July 4, 1949, William (Bill) met his wife, Pricilla (Pat) Mae (Prouty) in Stevensville, Mont. The coupled married on Sept. 7, 1949, and had three children. The family followed Bill as he moved from Port Angles, Wash., to Darby, Mont., before finally settling in Fernwood, Idaho. Bill held jobs as an outfitter, a bartender, a logger, a mill worker, a part-time member of the Benewah County Sheriff’s Posse, and as one of the founding members of the Fernwood Ambulance Service, where he was a part-time EMT.

In his later years, Bill and Pat moved to Coeur d’Alene, where they lived at Heritage Place. At one time, he worked at Ironwood Athletic Club.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Pricilla Mae Kelly. He is survived by his three children, Clifton L. Kelly (Lynne); Margaret Ann Winders (Rick) and Jefferson J. Kelly (Valli). He also had five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Private services have been held.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.