William "Bill" Kelly

William "Bill" Kelly, age 86, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. Visitation was on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Will Johnson and Reverend Avis Anderson officiating. Interment will be held in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Bill was born on January 21, 1930, in Malta, Montana, a son of William Joseph and Esther Amanda (Johnson) Kelly. Several moves later the Kelly Family ended up in Glendive. Bill was raised and educated in Glendive where he graduated from Dawson County High School with the class of 1948. Following high school he attended Eastern Montana College graduating with the class of 1953 with a teaching degree.

Bill moved to Harlem, Montana, where he taught and coached at the Harlem High School from 1953 until 1959. During his time in Harlem, Bill met the love of his life, Martha E. Rothie, who was also teaching at the Harlem High School. They were united in marriage on December 23, 1964 in Glendive at the Zion Lutheran Church. Bill taught and coached in Wolf Point, Montana from 1959 until 1964. Then he and Martha moved to Glendive where he continued to teach and coach at the Dawson County High School from 1964 until 1968. During this time period he attended Montana State University and received his Master's degree in 1960.

In 1968, Bill became the Elementary School Principal of Lincoln Elementary School in Glendive. The same school he attended as a youth growing up in Glendive. He held that position until his retirement in 1991. He was presented the Adrian Lang Staff Award that recognizes outstanding Elementary School Principals in the State of Montana.

In Bill's younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed cooking and traveling; he went to Canada, Mexico, many European countries, Alaska, Hawaii and all the lower states with the exception of the Carolinas. Bill loved to read anything he could get his hands on. He was also very interested in sports; especially football and track.

Bill was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and he was on the Dawson Community College Board. He was a time keeper for Dawson Community College basketball, Elks Invitational Clerk of Court, and State Elks Scholarship Committee.

Following the death of his brother-in-law, Monte, he and Martha bought the family farm in 1976, plus additional land in 1982. He and Martha operated the farm together during that time.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; his parents; and siblings, Howard (Pat), Harold (Mike), Gerald, Bernie, Marlene Durbin, and Sharon Blome.

Survivors include his sisters - in - law, De Light Simon and Bev Kelly; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. He will be greatly missed by many.

Donations in Bill Kelly's name may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: silhafuneralhomes.com.