Ruth C. (Carbonneau) Kelley

Ruth C Kelley, 83, of Franconia, NH, died peacefully on August 8, 2022, at the Morrison in Whitefield, NH. Affectionately known as “Ruthie”, “Mimi” or “Poop” by many friends and family who will dearly miss and cherish memories of her spirit, generosity, sense of humor, resilience, and amazing talents. She was born August 10, 1938, in Lisbon, NH, the daughter of Oswald (Pete) and Mildred (Miller) Carbonneau. She graduated from Littleton High School, class of 1956. She worked for the Telephone Office in Littleton and also as a seamstress for many years at Bellows & Baldwins. She married Karl C. Kelley on May 24, 1959. Together they opened their first supermarket, Kelleys Foodtown in Franconia, later expanding to Woodsville, Berlin, and Gorham. They also added a gift shop & ice cream store in Franconia where she enjoyed spending time. Ruth had many interests and hobbies including sewing, painting, and music. She played piano, guitar and even built and played mountain dulcimers. She loved New Hampshire, her home and yard, her family, and her pets.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Rhonda (Travis) Kelley, St Augustine, FL; son Karl (Michelle) Kelley, Swall Meadows, CA; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brother Stuart (Wilma) Carbonneau, Lisbon, NH; brother David (Jackie) Carbonneau, Lyman, NH; sister Anne Choate, Littleton, NH; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Karl; parents Pete & Mildred; 2 brothers Edward and Wayne Carbonneau; sister Pauline (Polly) Colpitts Koehnen. 

At Ruth’s request, there will be no services. 

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