Florence Catherine Deis Kelly Ames

Florence Catherine Deis Kelly Ames, came into this world August 23, 1939 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and left this world on May 30, 2013, to meet her precious Jesus and beloved family and friends that passed before her. At the age of three days, Jacob and Marie Deis took her home to join the family on their farm near Onaka, South Dakota. After one year, the family moved to Aberdeen, then to Rapid City, South Dakota, where the Deis family made their home for many years before much of the Deis family migrated to Colorado. In 1957, Florence graduated from Cathedral High School, Rapid City, Dakota, then attended South Dakota State University at Brookings, South Dakota, majoring in art.

January 2, 1960, Florence married Peter E. Kelly, Sioux City, Iowa. This union produced five loving, caring children. Lynda J. Kelly Holman Robert, Luann J. Kelly Combs Dale, Steven E. Kelly Bowtan, Perry J. Kelly Kim, Brian R. Kelly Dora.

Florence lived in South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado, Montana, before moving to Washington State. She made her home in the Tri-Cities in 1991 where she was employed at Sears, Columbia Center and seven years at Bank of America Call Center, Richland, Washington, and married David H. Ames, October 29, 1992, Sandpoint, Idaho. They made their home in West Richland, Washington since 1994. Together they built their present home, a project of love, sweat and lots of laughter, with help of family, 2007.

Florence and Dave took every opportunity to take short trips in their RV, enjoying the back roads, finding "mom and pop" restaurants and camping trips with family. After David retired, the pair traveled to Italy, Louisiana, New York State, Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, Germany, Hungary, Arizona, California and Colorado.

Florence enjoyed photography, art, sewing, decorating, cookie baking with grandkids, family parties, especially Christmas and Easter. Birthday parties for all family members provided a reason for a family get-together. She loved her years of caring for her be-loved sister-in-law, Sharyn, who went to her heavenly home March, 2011, as well as her seven years of active volunteering as Guardian.

Ad-Litem for Juvenile Court, Benton-Franklin Counties. Florence was active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, retiring after 15 years of service, most in Spokane, Washington, many as her favorite position of "Social Chairperson". She was an active Den Mother for Cub Scouts, sons Steven and Brian. One of her greatest accomplishments was graduating from college December, 1988 with a BA, Economics/Labor Relations, at Eastern Washington University at Cheney. Her five children, all WSU graduates cheered her on.

Most important in her life, her husband David, her children/spouses named above thirteen grandchildren, Laura and Matthew Holman, Rachel, Alexander and Nicholas Kelly, Amanda, Christopher, Rebecca, Keri, and Abigail Kelly and Sophia, Joseph and Jacob Kelly. Step-children, Genell, Richard David, Cheryl, Brian,Mari Yvonne, Ames. Seven "Ames" grandkids, Kyle Ames Megan, Erica Ames, Kayla Ames Snyder Sam, Curtis Ames, Tim Weber and Eric and Haley Ames and two great-grandbabies. Other very special people in her life, brother Jim and a beautiful lady she always loved, Rosemary.

In addition to her brother James Deis, Jeni, she was one of four girls, Madonna Deis Stensgaard Ross, Joann Deis Brunson Neil, Sylvia Deis VonLintel Roger all residing in Colorado State.

A special thank you to Dr. Iyad Hamarneh, MD, Dr. P. Klarnet, MD, all supporting physicians as well as all the fabulous team in the "Monday Morning Club" at the CBH&O chemotherapy center. Too many names to mention, but you know she greatly appreciated all your gentle, loving care during these many years of cancer treatment. Very special thanks to those who entertained her during chemo treatment, especially her tried and true friend, Nadean Rigby.

Florence was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Richland, Washington. She held Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Kennewick, Washington, close to her heart and often attended Sunday evening Mass, enjoying the up-beat music by her favorite music minister and his teen choir.

A Rosary will be held today, Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 7:30pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 3, 2013 at 11:00am at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kennewick. The graveside service will follow after the Mass at Resthaven Cemetery in Richland.