Leah Ruth Kelly

Leah grew up in the small town of Shiner, Texas. Her mom and grandmother were both born in that town. Her dad was born one town over. Leah was a happy, loving child. She was totally engaged in her church, school, and school-related activities and made many life long friends.In 1969 she married her high school sweetheart, Jon Seiler. Leah became a junior high school English teacher, Jon was in the air force, and career moves led them to Orlando, Fl. Together they had a son named Kristian. Sadly, after 12 years, their marriage ended in divorce, but Leah and Jon remained friendly toward one another and continued as involved, loving parents to Kristian. Leah left the teaching profession and returned to school to study music, her second love. There she met Tom and they quickly became friends. Tom and Leah were friends for 5 years while Leah worked out her life of independence and Tom prepared to become a Catholic priest. During this time Leah and Tom grew closer and closer. They discovered that although she was Baptist and he was Catholic they had exactly the same understanding of God. They also found they matched on their world view, political opinions, likes and dislikes, tastes in food and art (and if not always musical tastes, at least a shared love of music). Eventually Leah and Tom realized they were soul-mates and in love and sought out God's further will. With his blessing, in 1985 they were married and remained very happily married for 27 1/2 years, until her passing. Together they had 2 beautiful daughters, Rachel and Rebecca. Tom also developed a wonderful relationship with Kristian. The four of them together created the most peaceful, loving, happy family one could hope for and have inspired many other people with their love. Leah also leaves behind her parents(Ray & Dorothy), Tom's mom (Anita), Rachel's husband (Rick), Rebecca's boyfriend (Angel), and Kristian's sons (Drake & Kyllian). We will all miss Leah deeply.