WHITELAND, IN.
Ruth (Sefton) Kelsay, 96, and lifelong resident of Whiteland, IN passed away Friday November 11, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born at the family farm in Pleasant Township, Johnson County, Indiana on September 12, 1926, to Merrill “Met” Sefton and Lovell (Crane) Sefton. She married Joseph R. Kelsay on March 25, 1946, at the Whiteland United Methodist Church; he preceded her in death on October 29, 2002.
She was a graduate of Whiteland Community High School.
Ruth, early in her career had worked at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis and the A.S.C.S agricultural office in Franklin. She and her late husband Joe along with her late son Merrill and grandsons Joseph and Russell owned and operated Kelsay Farms in Whiteland, IN encompassing grain, dairy, fertilizer and feed companies. She was a woman of strong business attributes that was ahead of her time for her generation.
She was a member of the Glade Ladies Aid, her sorority, Johnson County Extension Homemakers, Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin and a former lifelong member of Whiteland United Methodist Church. Ruth enjoyed cooking, baking, hosting parties especially at Christmas time. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Survivors include her grandsons Joseph M. Kelsay (Amy) of Franklin, IN and Russell O. Kelsay (Liz) of Whiteland, IN, a granddaughter Brittany L. Satkoski (Chris) of San Jose, CA, grandson James M. “Jim” Osborne (Alicia) of Franklin, IN, great-grandchildren Jenna Kelsay, Josie Kelsay, Jack Kelsay, Rhett Kelsay, Grant Kelsay, Grayson Osborne and Maisie Satkoski, a daughter-in-law Debi L. (Doub) Kelsay of Greenwood, IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and son Merrill O. Kelsay on September 21, 2016.
Dr. Reverend Andy Kinsey will conduct a service on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 10AM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com. Friends may call Monday, November 14, 2022, from 5PM until 8PM at the mortuary.
Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
The family request memorial contributions be made to the Johnson County Community Foundation, attention Merrill Kelsay Memorial for FFA sponsorships, P.O. Box 217, 398 south Main Street, Franklin, IN 46131.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.
