Ada Marie Kelly

Ada Marie Kelly (Meade), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 8, 2026, after bravely battling heart and kidney disease. She was born on September 12, 1949, on her family's rural farm south of Centralia, and in her seventy-six years, Ada lived a life marked by love, resilience, sincerity, and compassion.

Ada’s kindness was matched only by her generosity, and she was cherished for her distinctive spark—her sassy spirit, ever ready with a bit of humor or gentle encouragement. She grew up with a loving family, graduating from Centralia High School, a milestone that underscored her lifelong value for hard work and dedication.

Throughout her life, Ada devoted herself to her family above all else. On January 20, 1968, she married Lawrence Ronnebaum and together they welcomed 4 children. She relished the role of homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home, and spent many years working in food service, sharing her talents in various locations. Though Lawrence and Ada divorced, they shared memories that stayed with Ada throughout her life. She later met Franklin Kelly and the two married August 30, 1993 and shared a life together until his passing on August 22, 2025. Her time as a restaurant owner showed her commitment and entrepreneurial spirit, while her work with S&L Ranch, supporting individuals with special needs, reflected her deep compassion and steadfast desire to uplift those around her.

As a dairy farmer for many years, Ada knew the rewards and challenges of life on the land. She was respected and valued for her unwavering work ethic and her ability to rise to meet every challenge with grace. Her profound sense of responsibility extended beyond her family and into the community she so faithfully served. Ada brought character to the lives she touched, teaching children and adults alike the importance of kindness, tenacity, and perseverance.

Her home was a place of comfort and joy, filled with the enticing scents of fresh baking and hearty meals, the gentle hum of crochet needles at work, and the vibrant colors of her garden in full bloom. Ada found happiness in the simple things: nurturing her flowers, tending to her vegetable patch, creating beautiful crafts, and sharing delicious food made with love.

To Ada, her proudest accomplishment was her family. She was the heart of her home and leaves behind a legacy in her children, their children and beyond. Ada is survived by her children; Jeanette (John) Shipley of Valley Falls, Joe (Chris) Ronnebaum of Auburn, Barbara (Barry) Montgomery of Topeka, and Bill (Kelsey) Ronnebaum of Meriden, her step-children Lori Kelly of Austin, TX, Carolyn Kelly of Manhattan, KS, and Victor Kelly of Topeka, her beloved grandchildren; Samantha Montgomery (Eric Chavira) of Scott City, Blake (Anna) Shipley of Auburn, Chase Montgomery of Minnesota, Lane (Rachel) Shipley of Valley Falls, Ellie Shipley of Valley Falls, KC (Kyle) Bond of Burlingame, Tarynn Ronnebaum of Topeka, and Kendall and Axton Birk of Meriden, great grandchildren; Zachariah and Lorenzo Montgomery of Minnesota, Mazie Shipley of Valley Falls, Kooper and Kolby Bond of Burlingame, Hunter (Gabby) Wessel of Topeka, Paige and Rylie Wessel of Auburn, her siblings Kay Kling, Ed Meade, Craig Meade, Bob Meade and Alva Meade Jr. and many nieces and nephews. 

She is reunited in rest with her parents, Alva and Mildred Meade; her husband, Franklin Kelly; her son whom she lost at birth, John Ronnebaum; and her siblings, Lucille Broadbent, and Ronnie Meade.

Ada’s love, her teachings, and her indomitable spirit will be missed dearly by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family, in particular, feels the deep legacy of her devotion and cherishes the memories she created with them—memories brimming with laughter, traditions, stories, and comfort.

A visitation will be held on August 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604. A memorial service will follow on August 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Auburn Cemetery, 8820 Southwest 85th Street, Auburn, KS 66402.

Ada Marie Kelly will be remembered for a life well-lived—a life shaped by kindness, generosity, passion, and unwavering love. All who knew her are grateful for the blessing of her presence.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Auburn Fire Department, 110 SE 10th Ave, Auburn, KS 66402.