Rita

Kelly

Rita Kelly, age 100, of Harlingen TX passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, 2024. Rita was born April 3, 1924, to Jesse and Elizabeth Babler in Rogers, MN. She married Vincent Kelly on June 24, 1950. She was the love of his life.

Survivors include her children, Bryan Kelly of Clearwater, MN, Elizabeth (Gary) Blackburn of Macon, GA, Kevin Kelly of Harlingen, TX and Colleen Kelly of Corpus Christi, TX; grandchildren, Theresa Haugen, Rachel Lanigan, Kristi Kelly, Kathryn Wright, Andrea Walker, Matthew Kelly, James Petru, Sarah Petru; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent in 2007; her parents; four brothers, four sisters, and a granddaughter.

Rita had many endeavors.  She was the first in her family to graduate from high school and college. Along with caring for her home and four children, Rita helped her husband in establishing a successful veterinary practice in Preston, Minnesota.  In fulfilling her life-long desire to move to a warmer climate, the family relocated to Harlingen in 1972.  Rita was a registered nurse with a master's degree and taught nursing at the college level at Pan American University.  She was also the first Director of the Vocational School of Registered Nurses at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, TX. Rita, along with her husband Vincent, was very involved in many ministries for their church and causes promoting Pro-Life. They were instrumental in the launch and early years of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store in Harlingen.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 6th with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Trinity Funeral Home in Harlingen, TX. The Funeral Service will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7th at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria, TX. She will be interred in the Rio Grande Valley State Veteran's Cemetery, Mission, TX, next to her husband.

Rita's family would like to thank the San Juan Nursing Home for the excellent care given to Rita and to Miriam Garza for her many visits. In lieu of flowers, Masses would be appreciated for the repose of Rita's soul or donations made to St. Francis Xavier Church Building Fund, 502 S. Canal St., La Feria, TX  78559 or to a Pro-Life organization.

With love and remembrance, The Family of Rita Kelly's funeral arrangements are entrusted to Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home at 1002 East Harrison Ave. in Harlingen, TX 78550. You may contact us with any questions at (956) 364-2444 or visit us at www.trinityfunerals.com