Erin Anne Kelly

Erin Anne Kelly came into this world on February 2nd, 1958, in Atchison, KS as the first child to her father, Lawrence (Larry) Francis Kelly, and mother, Jacqueline (Jacquie) Agnes (White) Kelly.

Erin would soon be an older sister to five more girls born to Larry and Jacquie over the next few years. For the remainder of the time, they were all referred to as the Kelly Girls, and Erin was proud to be the oldest. Erin grew up with her family in Atchison, Wamego, and Manhattan, KS. Erin spoke of all the fun times she had while spending time on the White Family Farm and all the adventures that came with it. Erin also had stories for days of all the shenanigans she and her sisters got into while growing up and how her dad was always on their heels. Erin graduated from Monsignor Luckey High School in Manhattan, KS, in 1976. After graduating from High School, Erin went on to attend Kansas State University, where she majored in Physical Education for K-12 and a double minor in History and Coaching. Erin graduated from Kansas State University in 1981. After graduating college, Erin moved to Wichita, KS, where she met her former husband, and moved to Colorado to start her family in 1987.

Erin began working for the Colorado Highway Patrol (CHP) as a 911 Dispatcher. Erin lived in Matheson, CO, where she welcomed her first child, Raphael Lawrence Belt. Eventually, Erin relocated to Kremmling, CO, with her family, where she welcomed her second son Ezra James Belt (named after a horse and not the book in the Bible). Erin eventually moved back to Kansas, where she briefly stayed in Wichita before settling in Topeka. While in Topeka, Erin worked for both the Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff's Office. Erin remained in Topeka while raising her two children and working until she retired on April 1st, 2021. Erin was great at her job and always strived to do her best. Erin wore her heart on her sleeve and cared for all officers she dispatched. She ensured the officers were safe by going the extra mile to provide pertinent information. Everyone who knew "Erin in dispatch" knew she had her own language that no one understood, but everyone somehow knew what she meant. After retirement, Erin was able to finally enjoy time with her family. Erin loved spending time with her two grandsons, Roman (6) and Luke (3), where she was proudly referred to as GreenMa Erin. She was very active with them and prioritized taking them on walks and reading to them. As the biggest K-State football and basketball fan you've ever seen, Erin could do all the chants and cheers and even referee the games from the comfort of her home with the TV muted and the game being played on the radio as loud as it would go. (She liked the radio broadcasters better.) Erin loved all her family, cousins, and co-workers and had a mind like a steel trap. Erin loved to remember everyone's birthday. If she knew you, she not only remembered your birthday but your kids' birthdays and the birthday of the babysitter that only watched you for 30 minutes once a week 20 years ago.

Erin treasured her Irish heritage and was lucky enough to visit Ireland. She was well-versed in her Irish genealogy and would often display her kinship through her jewelry, clothing, and décor.

Erin go Bragh "Ireland Forever."

She was most proud of her sons, grandsons, and family and will be missed by all.

Erin passed away in her home on December 15, 2022, and was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Jacquie Kelly. Left to cherish her memories are her two sons, Raph Belt (Christina) and Ezra Belt, two grandsons, Roman and Luke Belt (all of Topeka, KS); her five sisters, Brigid Kelly (Richland, Washington), Katy Kelly-Keller (Lake Dallas, TX), Laura Kelly-O'Grady (John) (Atchison, KS), Eileen Kelly-Thornton (Frisco, TX), and Megan Black (Lyndon) (Flower Mound, TX), her two uncles, Fr. Robert White, SJ (Tanzania, South Africa) and Fr. James White, SJ (Kansas City, KS), and a host of many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church located at 1750 SW Stone Ave. Topeka, KS, at 11:00 a.m. with a repast, to follow at O'Conner Hall provided by El Shaddai Ministries.