PLAINFIELD, NH -- Russell E. Kelley, 85, passed away on Friday, February 3 ^rd , 2023, after a period of declining health.  Russell was born June 17 ^th , 1937, in Woodsville, NH, son of Elsie M. (Woods) and Willis M. Kelley, Jr. and attended schools in Haverhill and Windsor.  His favorite childhood memories were of spending summers in Pike.  After graduating from Windsor High School Class of '57, he worked first at Raytheon in Massachusetts, then at Split Ball Bearing, and retired from Hypertherm in 2002.

In 1957 he married Susan M. Woodley and she survives.  Also survived by daughter Sharon (Todd) Carpenter and son Steven (Leticia) Kelley; grandchildren Michael (Katie) Carpenter, Meghan (Joey) Carpenter-Houghton, Kristin Carpenter, Stephen (Constance) Kelley, Tarrah (Nicholas) Sweatt, Jordan Kelley; great grandchildren Sadie and Garrett Thibodeau, Riley, Eliza, and Wyatt Carpenter, Lillian Kelley; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was predeceased by a brother Willis W. Kelley and a sister Norma Leneau.

Russell was active in the community for many years.  He contributed suggestions on the design of the 'new' Plainfield School, some of which were integrated in the construction.  He was a member of the 1 ^st Plainfield Recreation Commission – building skating rinks in the winter, organizing Kite Day in the spring, vacation activities in summer, and Halloween parties in the fall.  A long-time member of the Plainfield Community Church, he rang the bell each Sunday and volunteered on many renovation projects.

He enjoyed working on his own cars– he was a member of NEFA (New England Fiero Association). woodworking, and renovating their home.  Visiting family offered opportunities to travel to many parts of the country. Russell deeply loved his family and expressed that love through teaching his children and grandchildren woodworking, automotive repair, and countless other life skills. His love-language was also expressed in sneaking cash to a grandchild, sending movies or special treats through the mail, painting together, sharing YouTube discoveries, and putting up with air travel to attend graduations and weddings.  But most especially expressed in his daily trips to the Meriden Deli Mart to get a Valley News, a coffee, and a muffin for his beloved Sue.

The family is grateful for the care Russell received at DHMH and the Jack Byrnes Center.  A Celebration of Russell's Life will be held Saturday, February 11 ^th at 2pm at Plainfield Community Church.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Plainfield Community Church, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or a charity of one's choice.