James Henry Kellie

James Henry Kellie

November 11, 1933 – October 11, 2023

James H. Kellie, age 89, of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the Wellspring Lutheran Home.

Born November 11, 1933, he was the son of the late Frederick and Ethel (Steffes) Kellie. James attended SMCC and was proud to be a part of the first graduating class in 1951. After High School, James was drafted and served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1955 until 1957.

James went on to meet Frieda Friddle and on May 10, 1958, they married. Together they raised four children and spent more than 65 years together. He earned his living as a Journeyman Millwright at Ford Motor Company and retired after working 29 years.

In his spare time, James enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, the Monroe Rifle and Pistol Club and was on many bowling leagues.

To cherish his memory James leaves Four children: Timothy (Kelly) Kellie, Ethel (Peter) Kellie-Shellang, Debra Moats, and Theresa (Robert Alan) Cowling; grandchildren: Amanda (Greg Osborn) Thompson, Nicole (Matt) Frasier, Lea Graf, Molly Kellie, Matthaei (Meranda) Kellie, Camille Morrison, Katelyn Moats, and Elizabeth Moats; and great-grandchildren, Kaleb Osborne, Charlotte and Evelyn Graf, Cian and Luna Kellie and Wyatt and Levi Frasier.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 2 until 7 pm at Rupp Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11 am at Rupp with Rev. Larry Detruf officiating. James will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle.

Memorial donations are suggested to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc