Obituary of Kenneth R. Shelley

Smethport - Kenneth R. Shelley, 80, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (December 4, 2021) at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born December 29, 1940 in Olean, NY, the son of Arthur and Ida Leet Shelley. On April 15, 1967, in Farmers Valley, he married Wanda L. Rounsville, who passed away on November 10, 2021.

Ken graduated from Smethport High School and went in to the U.S Army, serving during Vietnam. 

He worked for many years at Petrowax in Farmers Valley, retiring there as the storeroom manager.  After his retirement, Ken worked for John Anderson Construction for an additional 10 years, before he retired again.

Ken never slowed down and was always busy.  He enjoyed tending to his farm and restoring tractors.  He was a member of the American Legion of Eldred.

He is survived by:

Three sons:  Kenneth E. (Teresa) Shelley of Rew, John A. (Jackie) Shelley of Eldred, and Chad F. (Kayla) Shelley of Smethport

Two daughters:  Deanna L. (Rich Dubetsky) Shelley and Brenda L. (Dave) Keesler, both of Smethport

12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren

Two sisters:  Pat Mayer and Judy Shelley, both of Smethport

And several nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was preceded in death by one infant grandchild, Chrystal Keesler.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 6-8 PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where funeral and committal services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 2 PM with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the PM Saddle Club or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.