DORIS JOAN KELLY nee Steik
9/11/32 – 12/20/21
How Beautiful Heaven Must Be!
Doris Joan (nee Steik) Keely, 89, of Ninilchik, Alaska, went home to her eternal home in heaven on December 20th, 2021. Doris was born in a cabin in Ninilchik village on September 18th, 1932, and she lived her whole life in Ninilchik. She moved into her present earthly home on December 7th, 1948, and it has been her lifetime residence. A member of Calvary Baptist Church since its founding, Doris loved the Lord Jesus Christ and had a deep faith in God and His Word. That flowers that bloomed so beautifully in fornt of the church were just one of the many things she did to make the world a more beautiful place.
Doris spent hours and hours developing the flower beds in front of her house and on the hill beside it. Tourists would stop by to see the beauty that was the result of Doris’ efforts. Her son-in-law, among others, often nursed a sore back as the result of hauling rocks that she used for those flower beds. But it was always worth the labor because of the love that everyone flet by being around Doris.
Another thing that will be sorely missed is her singing. She never held back when it came to singing the hymns at church. She truly loved the services and her church family. Many quilts were brought in for her memorial service, quilts she had made as gifts for various occassions, given to so many people over the years. They served as a testimony of the love Sister Doris had for others. Most of the folks who attended Calvary Baptist Church received at least one quilt, and moreover, her quilted handiwork was sent all over the world. There are young ladies as far away as Kenya who are mourning Doris’ passing and remembering her through a quilt. Members of the military and several college students will also remember Doris for her generosity and labor of love.
Doris is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Carl, her son, Clifford, and her daughters, Gail and Margaret. Doris is survived by her son, Carl, her daughter, Connie Judson (and son-in-law, John Judson), as well as 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren.
Doris Kelly Memorial Service was held at Calvary Baptist Church in Ninilchik on Thursday, December 23rd, 2021, with interment following at the Ninilchik cemetary. Services were officiated by her pastor, Jon J. Cardwell of CBC Ninilchik, and her son-in-law, John W. Judson, pastor of Gateway Baptist Church in Ketchikan, Alaska.
The audio player below contains a brief message from Pastor Jon Cardwell from the text, Psalm 16:10-11.
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