Alpha "Dolly"'s Obituary
Alpha Caroline “Dolly” Kelly, 85, of Great Falls, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Benefis Westview.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dolly Kelly, an 85-year-old resident of Benefis Westview Care Facility who passed away peacefully following a fall that greatly affected her overall health.
She was born on January 3, 1938, in Glasgow, MT to Clarence and Beatrice Onstad. Her first marriage brought the birth of her son, Hugh Lee Finigan. She met the love of her life, Sam Kelly, and got married in 1976. They would celebrate 32 happy years together before Sam passed in 2008.
Sam and Dolly initially resided in Glasgow and then Wolf Point. They managed Riverview Home in Wolf Point, fostering dozens of children in need. They moved to Cut Bank in the 80s and eventually decided to retire in Great Falls. Dolly worked as a housekeeper at the Ursuline Center for many years; she loved the work, the people, and the history surrounding the academy-turned-retreat and meeting center.
Dolly’s love for crocheting, quilting, and crafts was a source of comfort and satisfaction for her. She was very talented, and her creations brought joy to many. Her passion for crocheting was evident in every piece she made; hundreds of people have her potholders in their kitchens today.
She was a devoted Christian and member of the Temple Baptist Church, and her faith was a source of strength and inspiration for her throughout her life. Over the years, she was actively involved in the church's many activities, she particularly enjoyed the weekly bible study sessions, and she will be deeply missed.
Dolly was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sammy “Sam” Kelly; son, Hugh “Hughy” Finigan; parents, Clarence and Beatrice Onstad; and sister, Joy Collins. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Karen (Kelly) Vanni; grandsons, Seth Gardner, Adam Gardner, and Shawn Mears; her great-grandchildren, Atlas and Alaska Gardner; and several cousins all of whom will cherish the memories of the time they spent with her.
Cremation has taken place and Dolly has requested no services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Westview Long-term Care, in Dolly's memory. We are forever grateful to the nurses, CNAs, and every member of the staff, who made her last years bright and beautiful. Please consider sending them a treat.
Dolly will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kind and loving spirit, her gentle nature, and her unwavering faith will be remembered always. We are relieved that she did not suffer long and was able to receive loving hospice care at her home in Westview, with people she knew and loved. May she rest in peace.
