Emily Kelley

Emily (Weverka) Kelley

3/21/1926 – 9/12/2024

Emily E. Kelley, age 98, of Sargent, was born on March 21, 1926, to Martin and Emma (Polak) Weverka. She was born at home on the farm and was named Baby Weverka on her birth certificate. Emily was the youngest of five siblings: Julius, Emanuel, and twins William and Wilma.

She walked to a country school until she later attended Sargent Public School and graduated in 1944. She then moved to Omaha to live with her sister, Wilma, and attend beauty school. Emily loved to dance. In fact, at a dance hall in Omaha, she met her husband Richard William Kelley. They were married on October 8, 1949, at St. Bridgette’s Catholic Church in Omaha. In 1954, they moved back to Sargent to farm and raise their children. Emily loved to bake and was known for her homemade kolaches and sauerkraut. 

After Richard passed in 1994, Emily stayed on the farm staying busy with her plants, garden, and love of going to auctions. In 2022, she went to live with her daughter, Annette Sierks. Emily passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024, in Brewster.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents, Martin J. Weverka and Emma E. (Polak) Weverka, her husband, Richard W. Kelley, her son Martin J. Kelley, her daughter, Maureen E. (Kelley) Sartain, and her grandson, Russell W. Kelley.

Left to cherish Emily’s memories are her children, Richard W. Kelley (Shirley) of Broken Bow, Sharon Sherbeck (Ed) of Taylor, Annette Sierks (Tim) of Brewster, and Marilyn Grant (Todd) of Ansley, 17 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the Rosary beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. all at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Sargent, NE. Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Geranium, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Family for future designation. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com