Obituary of Marylee (Badger) Kelsey

Heaven has gained an Angel. Marylee (Badger) Kelsey passed away on August 23, 2023. She was the best wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend anyone could ask for. The rock of our family, she embodied kindness, love, and compassion to all that knew her. Our hearts will forever have a hole that could never be filled without her. Born Tuesday, November 6, 1945, in Portland to Arthur John Badger and Arline Rosalie (Hurst) Badger, she was the youngest of three daughters. Marylee spent her childhood in the West Slope/Beaverton area and attended CE Mason, Merle Davies and graduated from Beaverton High School in 1963. She met Jim in 1962 at a High School dance and they both attended Portland State for 2 years after high school. In 1965, Jim left for Army Reserve Boot Camp and on March 18, 1966, they married. Their first apartment was in Redondo Beach right across the street from the waters of the Puget Sound – what a view they enjoyed! Marylee and Jim moved many times over the years, during which time they built their family beginning with their first beloved Saint Bernard dog, Lady Fredrika of Kelsey aka “Fred”, followed by their five children: Susan, Karin, Karol, Jim & Deirdre in 6 ½ years’ time. In 1977 they moved for the final time to the family homestead in Beaverton where they enjoyed 45 years making memories with their children, extended family, and friends; including family gatherings, camping, and exploring. Her favorite places were in the outdoors and included the beach, Summer Lake, and her beloved Lake Owyhee. Over the years Marylee worked for Montgomery Ward and First Interstate Bank. She was also a stay-at-home Mom for a few years and often babysat neighborhood kids during this time. After moving to Beaverton, she worked at Sunset High School for a while but finally found her calling and took a job with THPRD as a Program Coordinator at the Tennis Center. She took so much pride in making sure all the tournaments and day-to-day scheduling went off without a hitch and many of her co-workers and players became her second family. After 29 years of service, she finally retired. This meant time to spend with her family, which she loved more than anything. Marylee was also blessed with two best friends since childhood, Beetle & DeDe. She always thought of the three of them as the Three Musketeers. Marylee is survived by her husband of 57 years & love of her life, Jim Kelsey; her children Susan Kelsey, Karin Madsen (Chris), Karol Johnston (David Watts), Jim Kelsey (Amy), Deirdre Byrne, and Victoria & Doug MacDonald (honorary family); grandchildren Christopher Huffman (Brittany), Alexis Garcia (Miguel), Iain Kelsey Bruning (Phylicia), Patrick Huffman, Sean Byrne (Cheyenne), Samantha Plunkett (Zach), Jenna Young, Morgan Furey, Tiara Allgood (Derrick), and Tanisha Estil; her great-grandchildren Christopher III, Connor, Aila, Lily, Jayce, Jamison, Georgia, Ace, Ariel, Malakai, Mikah, and Ila; her nephews and nieces Kevin Meader (Molly), Scott Meader, Tim Claus, Todd Claus (Kim), Jon Claus (Tomoko), Heather Davidson (Mike), and Shawn Thornton (Blaine); and her best friend Bettylu “Beetle” Watts. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur & Arline Badger, her sisters Jolene Meader and Jeanne Claus, and her best friend DeDe Magee. Family & friends, please join us to celebrate Marylee’s extraordinary life: Saturday, November 4th, 2023, starting at 1:00PM. Bridge Over Clear Creek 21977 S. Patrick Way, Estacada, OR 97023 Lunch & beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by Oct. 15th to: susieleekelsey@yahoo.com or (503) 250-2099 In lieu of flowers, the family offers these suggestions: Donations may be made “In Memory of Marylee Kelsey” to: Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary 1 Abbey Drive Saint Benedict, OR 97373 or online at: Make a Gift - Mount Angel Abbey ( https://mountangelabbey.org , choose Giving and then Make-a-Gift.) Or... Contributions for a memorial bench in Marylee’s honor to be erected at THPRD Tennis Center can be made by mail or in person: Payable to James Kelsey Memo: #4664728948 / Marylee’s Memorial Bench OnPoint Community Credit Union 2755 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Ste 100 Beaverton, OR 97005-1310