Ruth A. Kelley

Ruth A. Kelley, 83, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Monday, August 11, 2025, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island.

Visitation is 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 14, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Burial will follow at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The former Ruth Ann Burns was born June 16, 1942, in Moline, the daughter of Harold and Irene (DeJaeger) Burns. She graduated from Alleman High School in 1960. She married Howard Nelson on October 2, 1963, and together they raised two children before parting ways. She later married Allan Robert Kelley on February 14, 1991, in Rock Island. They shared many happy years until his passing on February 17, 2016.

Ruth's work life was as varied as her interests-she held positions at The Plantation, First National Bank, Isle of Capri, Harned & Von Maur, and the East Moline American Legion, to name a few. Outside of work, she found joy in crossword puzzles, sewing, and her self-proclaimed "second job" of shopping-especially when it meant uncovering a bargain or finding something collectable and "shiny" at a second-hand store.

Above all, Ruth's heart belonged to her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she never missed an opportunity to show them her love and support.

Ruth is survived by two children, Robert Nelson of Rock Island, and Julia Riley of East Moline; seven grandchildren, Robby, Rachel and Rianna Nelson; and Hali, Colin, Mitchell and Austin Riley; two great-grandchildren, Bentley and Eulalia; two sisters, Teresa and John Huyten of Moline, and Cynthia and John Jaster of Davenport, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; special cousin, MaryAnn (Ron) Hannavan; and special friends, Jean and Mary Kay. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Al Kelley; and siblings, Rosemarie Kennedy, Robert Burns, Joseph Burns, Patricia Jennings, and Rev. John Burns.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.