Ronald Jay Kelsey

Ronald Jay Kelsey, age 77 of Springville, Utah, peacefully passed away on June 13,2024 from complications of a long illness.

Born November 24, 1946 in Payson, Utah, the 4th child of six children to Melvin and Juanita Kelsey.

Ron attended schools in Springville, Mapleton and Pleasant Grove, Utah.

From a very young age Ron discovered how much he love anything with wheels on it to transport him somewhere to explore. Any scrap of wood, or a refashioned buggy, he would turn it into a “go cart”. This interest in mechanics developed into spending countless hours under the hood or beneath the vehicle, fixing up his latest car purchase. In High School he realized his school days were over and it was time to hone his skills as an Auto Mechanic. He was employed at Pete’s Garage in Orem for many years. He loved to drive into the back roads of the mountains, only to come home and make the necessary repairs.

Ron married Kathleen Brailsford on November 24,1970 in Provo, Utah. They had 1 daughter Jennifer. The marriage ended a few years later in divorce.

Ron lived and accepted a simple life, choosing to stay close to home and family. He looked forward to family gatherings. Entertained as he observed the serious and the humorous interactions, but he was at his best conversing one on one. He loved spending time with the family his daughter gave him. He loved his “little girl” more than anyone. He endured with humor and equal jabbing the teasing his son in law gave him. He enjoyed and looked forward to the special outings they took him on.

He loved his many nieces and nephews and just couldn’t believe that they all grew up. He offered his help to them when he could.

Ron rarely traveled, but when his sisters took him to the ocean in Southern California, he was in awe!

Ron was loving and humorous. He was a man of his word. He was dependable. He was humbled and grateful for all of the assistance and care given to him by his family through the many trials and injuries. 

Ron is survived by his daughter; Jennifer (Chad) Jones of Santaquin, Utah. His grandsons; Shaun Jones and Weston Jones, also of Santaquin, Utah. His sisters; Mary Ann (Bill, dec.) Tanner of South Jordan, Utah, Lanita (David) Thompson of Orem, Utah, Peggy (James) Innis, of Lindon, Utah.

Preceded in death by his granddaughter, Chaylena Jones. Brother, Melvin Ray Kelsey. Sister, Shanna Kelsey. Mother, Juanita Matson Kelsey. Father; Jesse Melvin Kelsey.

A Graveside service will be held Saturday July 13, 2024, at 11;00 am at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 S. 400 E.  Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.

Luncheon to follow at LDS 9th Ward Chapel, 545 N. 200 E. Santaquin, UT 84665

The family wish to acknowledge the staff at Stonehenge Springville for the daily care of Ron the past 4 years. In addition, Hearthstone Manor in Spanish Fork. Both care centers did a tremendous job in Ron's difficult transition from independent living to the daily care in a skilled nursing facility. We would also like to thank the medical staff at Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, as well as the Hospice staff who cared for Ron with such compassion in his final days. We are grateful.

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