Judith Anne Kelley

Judith A. Kelley, 74, of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at home on June 30th, 2024.

Born to Lawrence and Lorraine (Hagen) Estness on October 11th, 1949, Judy graduated from Hermantown High School. She will be remembered for being an amazingly loving and caring person, not only for her family, but for everyone she knew. Judy was the glue that kept the family connected.

Being a caregiver was a defining characteristic of Judy. She operated a daycare out of her own home for nearly 35 years. At the end of the day, she would then work as a school bus aid, which provided her with additional time with the children. Many of the families she worked with still remembered her many years later and kept in touch. After providing daycare for her grandchildren, Judy retired, but that didn’t stop her from watching her great-grandchildren, up until the very end.

Everyone says that their mother is the best, so we can say Judith was the best mother Scott could’ve had. It isn’t easy losing parents or family members, but we can’t imagine a day without her in our lives. There isn’t anyone that met Judy that won’t miss her. Thanks for everything mother and go in peace and with our love.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Diane Qualey; brother, Randy Estness, and the love of her life, husband, Garrett Kelley.

Surviving family includes son, Scott (Jane Erickson) Kelley; grandchildren, Luke (Makayla) and Kirsten Kelley; great-grandchildren, Blake and Hunter; brother, Gordon (Ann) Estness; and niece’s, Connie Hipple, Christy Peterson, and Cindy Davis.

Graveside committal service will be held on Friday, July 12th at 2 pm at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Duluth. Pastor Christoph Schmidt will be leading the service.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.