18 May, 2024
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Celebration of Life Service for Jilian Kelley Set for April 30

by | 20 April, 2024 | 0 comments

A Celebration of Life service is set for April 30 at Hugoton (Kan.) First Christian Church for Jilian Kelley, 39, the wife of the church’s minister, Heath Kelley. Jilian was one of two women found dead at an Oklahoma farm April 14 after going missing March 30 while supervising a child custody exchange. 

JILIAN KELLEY

Also found dead on that Oklahoma farm was Veronica Butler, 27, whom Jilian was accompanying on the exchange. Four Oklahomans have been charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree. (See our most recent article.) 

Obituary information for Jilian Kelley was posted Friday by Robson Funeral Home in Hugoton. The obituary says Jilian and Heath Kelley married on Oct. 11, 2002, in Scottsbluff, Neb., and have four children, Jaelynn Grace, Alexis Joann, Deric Whitney, and Tyler Joe. “Her proudest accomplishments were not found in accolades or recognition, but in the love she shared with her family,” the obituary states. 

“Jilian led a life dedicated to her faith and service to others as a devoted Christian woman and pastor’s wife,” the obituary continues. “She filled the role of the First Christian Church of Hugoton’s secretary with grace and compassion. Jilian’s influence extended to the younger generation through her leadership at Wednesday Night Olympian and Gopher Buddies Children’s Church, where she nurtured the spiritual growth of children and guided them in their relationship with the Lord. . . . 

“A memorial has been established for First Christian Church of Hugoton or Willow Christian Church of Indianola, Neb. Whomever you choose for your contribution, the money will be spent on one of Jilian’s favorite pastimes, having children grow in their relationship with Jesus. Memorials are in the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951. . . . 

“Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church of Hugoton. Family and friends are encouraged to wear yellow to the service.” 

Read the entire obituary here. 

Christian Standard

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