Fern Loene Kelby

Fern Loene McMannis Kelby, 96, of Waterford, OH, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at home. She was born November 11, 1929 in Caldwell, OH, daughter of William L. and Virgie May Rogers McMannis.

She was a homemaker for many years before joining the workforce in 1973 as an L.P.N. for nearly 20 years at Marietta Memorial Hospital working as an O.R. Nurse. After retirement she volunteered on the Beverly-Waterford Township Rescue Squad and at the Strecker Cancer Center for many years.

Loene was a member of Order of Eastern Star Mount Moriah Chapter 506, the Friendly Circle Quilt Club, the Waterford United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 389.

Loene is survived by one son Robert Lee Kelby (Bonnie) of Veto, son-in-law Tom Leach of Waterford, one brother Raymond McMannis (Linda) of Canton, and one sister Janet Sue Klintworth (George) of Lowell, and two sisters-in-law Sandra McMannis of Apple Creek, Betty McMannis of Beverly; 7 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren and 13 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years Ralph Robert Kelby, whom she married August 8, 1947; two daughters, Betty Cotton and Marilyn Leach, one son, Marlin “Doe” Kelby, one grandson, Robert “Andy” Kelby; 3 brothers, William McMannis Jr, Sam McMannis, Jim McMannis; and 3 sisters, Melba Vandeventer, Ruby Roe, Mary Ann Chastin.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at McCurdy Funeral Home in Beverly with Pastor Beverly Pottmeyer officiating with burial in the Beverly Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday at the funeral home where an Eastern Star service will be held and also a Beverly-Waterford Rescue Squad Service at 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Order of Eastern Star # 506 and online condolences may be made by visiting www.mccurdyfh.com.

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