Susan Kelly left this earth on January 2nd, 2025, but what a life she lived. She was beautiful yet effortlessly humble. She was elegant and graceful. Susie loved us all and we all, in return, loved her beyond measure.

Susie cherished family and bloodlines were never a requirement for her love. As a wife to Coach Kelly, she brought a softness to the gridiron life. Coach would “chew butt” over a missed tackle or blown assignment and then Susie restored football faith with fresh made practice field cookies. She impacted hundreds, probably thousands, of young lives with her kindness and generosity. A true matriarch to so many.

Gatherings with her football family were cherished by Susie. A lifelong bond never broken by miles nor seasons. She loved them and they loved her. Win or lose, a post game party was where the memories were made and she so cherished these moments.

There are many shrines to great coaches who’ve impacted young lives. But each one, this I’m sure, found strength from spouses during less than successful moments. If so, Susie is worthy of a life size statue!

Once the whistles and cleats were sidelined, a new travel camper joined the Kelly Family. Evidently there must have been a coaches discount on RVs because before long nearly all the retired coaches owned one. Self named the “Clampets”, this Visalia group found a playbook for travel and boy did they use it. Susie so cherished her travel group and friendships. South Lake Tahoe was one of her favorite camping destinations.

Susie loved gardening and grandchildren. A perfect day was full of both. Little did she know that she was what made a day perfect. Susie always made time for others by way of acceptance, conversation and encouragement. A bright light that will forever shine in the hearts of all that knew her.

Susie was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. There is where she met and married her life partner of 58 years, Roger Kelly. Together they raised two daughters, Kim Kelly and Michele Carlton (husband Doug Carlton).

Susie is also survived by Doug Cunningham, brother. Grandchild Tiffany and TJ Rodgers and their children Caitlin, Gauge and Piper. Grandchild Ashley and Jerry Akridge and their children Landon and Kiley. Grandchild Trent and Katie Toussau and their children Madison and Brody.

Grandchild Casey and Natalie Carlton and their children Tate and Lyla. Grandchild Jordan Carlton.

A family memorial service will take place over July 4th weekend in Atascadero, Ca.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

‍

‍

‍