Belva Hicks Kelly

Belva Hicks Kelly of Key West, Fla., passed away at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010, with her loving husband by her side. She was born on July 20, 1922, to Leo Hicks and Patricia Trevejo of Key West.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, James "Jimmy" Andrew Kelly; sister-in-law, Mary Isabel Kelly Goodson; half-brother, Norman Hicks Jr.; nephews, James (Karen) Goodson, Burt (Lori) Goodson, Barney (Maggie) Goodson, Michael (Beverly) Woodson, Anthony (Rita) Woodson, Kenneth (Jeanette Lynne) Pedigo and Thomas (Diane) Pedigo; cousins, Gina (George) Ruffing, Amelia Portuondo, Sammy Garcia and Albert Crespo; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Rob Woodson, Brittany Woodson, Stephanie (Keith) Dooley, Annette (David) Thomas, Sara (Luis) Rodriguez, Paige (Andrew) Porio, James (Lori) Woodson, Susan (Sara) Woodson, Patricia (Carmelo) D'Arena, Michael Kelly Pedigo, Jarrad Pedigo, Bailie Pedigo, Bill Hicks and Steve Hicks. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Mary Agnes Kelly Pedigo, and her half-brother, Leo Hicks.

Belva spent 32 years as a civil service telephone operator at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Key West, where she also held the position of supervisor for many years. She was a volunteer Pink Lady for more than 30 years at the hospital in Key West. She was a member of the Moose Lodge, loved traveling and visited many Caribbean islands and Mexico. She also loved playing cards and dominos with friends. Belva was a loving and compassionate person, always volunteering to help her many wonderful friends. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Key West.

Services will be at 6 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Florida Keys, 1319 William St., Key West, FL 33040.