Steve Ray “Butch” Kelley, 81, of Gettysburg passed away on February 6, 2025 after a 7 year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Born December 25, 1943 in Gettysburg, PA, he was the son of the late Cecil R. and Ruth R. (Plank) Kelley.
Steve was a 1963 graduate of Gettysburg High School, a veteran of the U.S. Army and had been employed at Westinghouse and then retiring after 31 years from Letterkenny Army Depot.
Steve loved spending time with his family and was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He was an avid hunter and found great pleasure going for walks in the woods. He enjoyed going to the Gettysburg High School football games and basketball games where everyone knew he was there. He especially loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s games over the years. He loved driving his truck anywhere and everywhere visiting family and friends. He had a great love for bluegrass music and spent many Friday nights at the “Y” enjoying live bluegrass performances.
Steve attended many Class of ’63 social gatherings especially at McDonalds’s and Dairy Queen. He remained in contact and was close with his classmates through the years. His classmates often commented how they admired the great attitude he kept even after his ALS diagnosis.
Mr. Kelley was the beloved husband of 49 years to Carol A. (Hawbaker) Kelley. Surviving him, in addition to his wife, are children Charles R. Kelley (Susan), Gary L. Kelley (Jessica), Jennifer A. Chenault (Bobby), Scott A. Kelley (Nicole), Gregg A. Kelley and Allison A. Kelley (fiancé Craig Walk). Steve is survived by 10 grandchildren; Meghan Kelley, Erin Price, Myckela Kelley, Peyton Kelley, Joshua Kelley, Alyssa Kelley, Cole Chenault, Summer Chenault, Jocelyn Kelley and Joel Kelley. Also surviving is a sister Nancy Reichart (Edward) and brothers Glenn Kelley (Rosemary), Richard Kelley (Darlene), Brothers- in- law Dennis Hawbaker (Lisa) and L. Stephen Hawbaker as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers Robert Kelley, Roger Kelley and infant sister Arlene Kelley.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 2 p.m. from Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg, PA.
Interment with full military honors will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, memorials can be made to the ALS United Mid- Atlantic, 1015 Virginia Drive, Suite 110, Fort Washington, PA 19034 or to Seven Mountains Bluegrass Association, C/O Patsy Kline, P.O. Box 224, Lawn, PA 17041.
Online obituary and condolences available at the funeral home’s website.
