On behalf of the Kelley family we have been asked to share this obituary notice with you.

On August 6, 2022 Arden Dale Kelley passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends.  Arden was born to Alta (Mansfield) and Gerald Kelley on October 4, 1939 in King City, California.

Ardie, as he was known, attended San Lucas Elementary School, San Ardo Elementary School and King City High School.  As a boy Ardie worked for William Brinan Sr.  This time spent on the ranch fostered friendships with his "sisters", the Brinan girls: Martha Schwabacher, Ruth Morgan, Shirley Ethridge, Edith Capps, and Ginger Gianolini. Friendships that he cherished until his dying day.

The owner of Kelley Trucking as well as Kelley Custom Harvesting in San Ardo, hauling and harvesting hay, sugar beets, and carrots kept him busy from the 1960's well into the 1980's.  Ardie was also a jack of all trades.  He was an accomplished welder, carpenter and mechanic.  There was nothing he couldn't fix, make better or innovate. He was a member of the Salinas Elks Lodge, San Ardo Grange, Volunteer of the San Ardo Fire Department, and San Ardo 4-H leader.

In 1986 Ardie moved to Carson City, Nevada to start a new chapter in life.  He spent his time there working on equipment for snow removal and mining. He also manufactured and sold safes for the casino hotel rooms (there goes that innovative spirit again).  Arden was good at making friends far and wide and in Carson City he had many which included Monday breakfast with his Veteran buddies.

After retiring, Ardie spent time in his garden, restoring a Model T pick-up truck and tinkering in the shop.  He traveled back to South Monterey County yearly to attend the San Ardo Grange Poker Run and the Nacitone Dutch Oven Cook Off.  Ardie loved visiting with friends; he could be found with the "Harrington Boys" James and Dwain, or out in Lockwood with Neil Wollesen. He always made time to go to lunch with his Brinan sisters.

Arden is survived by his daughters Kenda Chavez (Aaron),and Kaeda Barrios (Raphael); grandsons Truxton, Paxton, Bronxton Chavez, and Kaedan Barrios; and numerous Mansfield and Plaskett cousins.

Proceeding Arden in death were his father Gerald Kelley; mother Alta Bronzich; sisters Patsy Lee Kelley, Martha Jean LaVelle and Sharon Albee.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Arden, the family would appreciate donations to the San Ardo Fire Dept. P.O. Box 311 San Ardo, CA 93450, or the San Ardo Grange P.O. Box 105 San Ardo, CA 93450.

SERVICE INFORMATION:

A Celebration of Life will be held at the St. Matthew's Episcopal Church 60318 Jolon Street San Ardo, CA 93450 on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 11 AM.