Jeanette ‘Tootie’ Kelley

Jeanette “Tootie” Kelley, 88, of Walnut Grove, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Tootie was born on May 5, 1937, in Los Angeles, California to Vesta and Dora (Pitman) Dotson. 

On May 5, 1956, Tootie and James Kelley were united in marriage and together, they shared over 62 years, before James’s passing in 2018. 

Tootie spent most of her life in the Walnut Grove area, graduating from Walnut Grove High School in 1955. She was very creative and enjoyed sharing her talents with the community. Tootie taught painting and wrote an article for the local paper called, “Across the Backyard Fence.” She also volunteered for many years at Walnut Grove City Hall. Tootie also had a strong faith and was an active member of Walnut Grove First Baptist Church where she was WMU director, taught Sunday School, and served in many other different volunteer capacities. 

She loved all children, especially her own grandchildren and great grandchildren. Granny Tootie will be greatly missed by her community and family. 

Tootie is survived by children: James H. Kelley, Jr. and wife, Cathy; Jerry Kelley and wife, Lisa; and Jacquelyn Kelley; grandchildren: Sonya Collins and husband, Brad; Suzanna Evans and husband, Josh; J.D. Kelley and wife, Sabrena; Jeremy Kelley and wife, Anna; Kaleigh Rakhmonova and husband, Parviz; Alexandria Wilkerson; Victoria Schuster; Andrew Schuster; Angela Stevens; great-grandchildren: Addison, Lane, Ethan, Landon, Alexa, Peyton, Camden, Griffin, Naomi, Grant, May, Leah, Ahror, Emmaus, Tristian, Madelyne, Elizabeth; brothers, Gordan Dotson, Art Dotson, Paul Dotson; other family and many friends. 

Tootie was preceded in death by her parents, Vesta Dotson and Dora Knabb; husband, James Kelley; and brother, Jack Dotson.

Visitation was Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from noon- until service time Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove, Missouri. Funeral services began at 1:30 p.m., at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Walnut Grove First Baptist Church- Food Pantry.