Geraldine LaRita "Rita" Kelley, age 93, of Dover, Delaware, formerly of Clements, Maryland, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. She was born on February 23, 1932, in Bowie, Maryland, to the late Albert L. and Irene (Deutsch) Boswell.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-nine years , Emory O. Kelley; her cherished granddaughter, Brandi Kelley; her sisters Margaret (the late Clarence) Kerns, Louise (the late Paul) Kerns, Myrtle (the late Rocky) Vargo, Doris (the late Fred) Schneider, and Berniece (the late former husband Curtis "Corky") Mast; and her brothers Anthony (the late Lillian) and Martin (the late Catherine) Boswell.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Linda (Ken) Shock and Mark (Sue) Kelley; her grandchildren, Michele (Darin) Hobbs, Anne (Danny) Cornell, and Justin Kelley; and her adored great-grandchildren, Logan, Grace, Meli, Caden, and Kennedy.

Rita dedicated over 30 years of service as a title clerk for Ford dealerships in Maryland before retiring. She and her husband resided in Glenn Dale, Maryland for more than 25 years, and in 1987 they retired to their farm in Clements, Maryland.

Rita was an avid gardener and took great pride in canning the vegetables she grew, enjoying the fruits of her labor throughout the year. She found joy in crocheting and generously gifted her creations to family, friends, and church events. She especially loved watching the birds on the farm — carefully tending to them with feeders and bird baths — always keeping a special eye out for cardinals.

In her retirement, Rita discovered a love for painting and created beautiful artwork, often featuring landscapes, animals and family which she proudly displayed in her home. She was also a wonderful baker, known far and wide for her famous pies, especially her coconut custard and chocolate pudding pies.

Nothing brought Rita greater happiness than time spent with her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren beyond measure. One of her favorite wishes was for everyone to gather for a picnic by the pond on their farm — a wish her family fulfilled, giving her a day she treasured deeply.

Rita will always be remembered for her loving heart, warm smile, gentle spirit, and the very best hugs she gave to those she loved.

The family will receive friends on January 12, 2026 at 11:00am for one hour, followed by a Catholic Mass at 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Chapel 16501 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715. This chapel held special meaning for Rita and her family — her grandparents, Francis Deutsche and Ida Lanham, were caretakers of the church, and her parents, Albert and Irene Boswell, as well as Rita and her husband Emory, and their daughter Linda and Kenneth Shock, were all married there.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Delaware Hospice at Give - Delaware Hospice
(https://delawarehospice.org/give/)

There will be a private burial service for immediate family at a later date.