Nelda Marita Kehr
May 9, 1935-June 29, 2021
Born in Greenwood, Arkansas
Died in Mesa, Arizona.
Nelda Marita Kehr, 86, died peacefully in hospice care on June 29, 2021 after an 8-year battle with congestive heart failure.
Marita, as she was known to her family and friends, was a joyful Christian woman who loved God and Jesus and lived her faith daily. She was known for her easy, infectious smile, her sunny spirit, her kindness and compassion and for her devotion to her husband, children, family and friends. She will be missed by many people.
She always touched people in a positive way wherever she went. And she went many places in her lifetime. Born in Arkansas, married in California, she had 46 happy years with her husband Don living and working in Virginia, New York and Illinois before retiring in Georgia. Along the way, she worked as a food service manager for the local school district in Illinois, helped raise 2 children, fostered several babies, learned to square dance and traveled all over the U.S.
Marita and husband Don were active in every church they belonged to, working with missions, singing in the choir and helping with organizing and implementing various church activities. In addition, Marita taught Sunday School for children and helped in the church nursery.
Marita is survived by her daughter Debbie Kehr of Apache Junction, Arizona; son Rick Kehr of Fulshear, Texas and his wife Leslie; granddaughter Amy Kehr-Moeller of Fulshear, Texas; her four great-grandchildren Alysa, Bailey, Jayce and Kinsley of Fulshear, Texas; her brother Delwin Elmore of Holdrege, Nebraska; her brother Gary Elmore of Caliente, Nevada; her sister Sharon Hubeney of Clovis, California; her brother Larry Wright of Patterson, California; her half- brothers Johnny Elmore and Lance Elmore and her step sisters Kathy Stebbins and Betty Wentling all in Kansas; her half sister Susie Grube in Oklahoma and several nieces and nephews.
She is pre-deceased by her husband Don, her sister Regina Elmore and her parents Meda and Roy Wright.
Life Celebration Services and interment in Pennsylvania to be scheduled at a later date. If you wish to make a memorial donation in honor of Marita, please consider:
St. Jude Children’s Hospital
First Baptist Church of Blairsville, Georgia
Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, Utah
Please click the following link for additional photos:
My sister Debbie and I were blessed by GOD to have such wonderful, caring and GOD fearing and Faith sharing parents. Mom was such an inspiration on how to live a Christian life. Love you mom and I thank GOD every day for blessing us with you.
Dave and I loved your mom and dad so much. We went to First
Baptist Church in Hoffman Estates.
Your Mom and Dad were a HOOT! Two special people who blessed my Mom and Dad in Hoffman Estates and then for years and years in Georgia. They were the ones who convinced my folks to move down there and sing in the choir. I love the photos with your Mom and the dog! –Emily (Killebrew) Griesinger
Thank you. Mom and Dad loved that church and the people who attended it. Thank you for thinking of our mother. GOD Bless.
Thank you Emily. Mom and Dad always enjoyed your mom and dad and your whole family. Thank you for thinking about our mother during this time.
My family and I were so lucky to be able to spend so much time with our Aunt Marita. We had some great times up here on the mountain, Aunt Marita was the sweetest, kindest person, we will miss her so very much. Love you Auntie M.
My sister Debbie and I were blessed by GOD to have such wonderful, caring and GOD fearing and Faith sharing parents. Mom was such an inspiration on how to live a Christian life. Love you mom and I thank GOD every day for blessing us with you.
Dave and I loved your mom and dad so much. We went to First
Baptist Church in Hoffman Estates.
Your Mom and Dad were a HOOT! Two special people who blessed my Mom and Dad in Hoffman Estates and then for years and years in Georgia. They were the ones who convinced my folks to move down there and sing in the choir. I love the photos with your Mom and the dog! –Emily (Killebrew) Griesinger
Thank you. Mom and Dad loved that church and the people who attended it. Thank you for thinking of our mother. GOD Bless.
Thank you Emily. Mom and Dad always enjoyed your mom and dad and your whole family. Thank you for thinking about our mother during this time.
My family and I were so lucky to be able to spend so much time with our Aunt Marita. We had some great times up here on the mountain, Aunt Marita was the sweetest, kindest person, we will miss her so very much. Love you Auntie M.