Sister Verna Kelley, 86, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died July 21, 2014, at Presentation Convent, Aberdeen, SD.

The Mass of Resurrection for Sister Verna will be Friday, July 25, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. in Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Presentation Convent, Aberdeen, SD. Reverend Greg Tschakert, is celebrant and homilist. A Scriptural wake service will be Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. in Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The service will be led by Sr. Verna’s brother, Deacon Richard Kelley.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main Street, in charge of arrangements.

Sr. Verna “Patricia” was born May 8, 1928 in Aberdeen, SD to Iva (White) and Verne Kelley. She completed her grade school education at Washington Elementary, Pierre, SD and graduated from Central High School, Aberdeen, SD in 1946. Patricia entered Presentation Convent September 8, 1946 and made her first profession of vows August 10, 1949.  Sister Verna earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Northern State University in1962 and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Northern in 1981. She taught at elementary schools staffed by Presentation Sisters from 1949 to 1999 including Mound and Anoka, MN, Miles City, MT, Mitchell, Madison, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Milbank and Dell Rapids, SD. Sister ministered in the Foster Grandparent program at Roncalli Primary School from 1999 to 2013. Her passion for helping others, especially children, was  evident in the many years she taught first and second grade. She wrote poetry, several children’s books including handbooks for teachers instructing children preparing for receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist. She also enjoyed creating greeting cards, banners, and posters.

Sister Verna is survived by her community of Presentation Sisters, one sister, Margaret Smith, International Falls, MN, one brother, Deacon Richard Kelley, Aberdeen, SD and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Iva and Verne Kelley, three sisters, Mercedes Volk, Kathryn Keenan, Mary Johnson, and two brothers, Vern Kelley and Reverend John Kelley.

Family members will serve as active pall bearers.

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