Cora Loretta Kelsey

Cora Loretta Kelsey passed away November 6, 2017, in Helena, Mont. Formerly of Zortman, Mont., Cora had recently celebrated her 90th birthday. We know Gram was happy to reunite with Grandpa Jim, her husband of over 50 years who passed in 2002.

Cora was born June 28, 1927, to Pete and Mary Azure in South Phillips County, Montana. The second of 11 children, she spent her younger years growing up in Zortman and helping her mom raise her younger siblings. She married Jim Kelsey in Malta, Mont., on May 10, 1946. They spent their years together in the Missouri Breaks and Zortman area ranching and raising their family.

Cora is preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents Mary and Pete Azure, daughter-in-law Mary Kelsey, infant sister Bernice, sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Jim Kincaid, brothers Sandy Azure and Bob Azure, brother-in-law Tommy Kelsey, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lilly and John Short and Rosie and Fuzz Fore, nephews Wes Perry and Bill Whitecrow.

Cora is survived by her children, step-son Bobby Kelsey of Billings, his children Troy (Michael) Kelsey, Dayla Kelsey, J.C. (April) Kelsey and Zac Kelsey, daughter Jean (Al) Brown of Billings, her children Kim (Rusty) Cross, Kristal (Jeff) Ward, Kathie (Aaron) Helfert and Kori Fanning, son Lloyd Kelsey and Debbie Harden of Billings, his step-children Lori Fura-White and Hopsing (Clinton) Fura of Wyoming, 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Cora will be greatly missed by her siblings Phil Azure of Vancouver, Wash., Amelia Azure of Zortman, David (Patsy) Azure of Vancouver, Wash., Floyd (Carol) Azure of Zortman, Maynard Azure of Zortman, Della Azure of Pendleton, Ore., great aunt Meda Larson of Squim, Wash., sister-in-law Thelma (Don) Seyfert of Great Falls, sister-in-law Martha Thompson of Phoenix, Ariz.,as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gram left a great legacy to all who loved her. Fond memories include spending time at their place on the river, numerous years spent at Rock Creek where many came to help with yearly brandings.

Holidays were always spent with lots of food, lots of visitors and lots of good music. It wasn't a family gathering unless Grandpa Pete and the family pulled out the guitars and the fiddles for some post-turkey entertainment. Later years were spent in Billings then Helena where the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were fortunate enough to spend time with Gram. She was the glue which held the family together and she will be greatly missed.

A heartfelt thank you to Shelby and all the ladies at Shelby House for taking such amazing care of Gram for the last year. Although she was determined to return home to Zortman and "have my own place," we truly thank you for the care you showed and the time you spent with her.

A celebration of Cora's life will be announced at a later date.