Celestine Elizabeth Matysek Kelm, of Thorndale, passed away June 19, 2023.
She was born in Williamson County, to Joe and Lydia Matysek, and raised in Laneport.
Celestine attended schools in Hare and Thrall, and graduated in May 1949 from Thrall High School.
She was baptized and confirmed at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic church in Granger.
Celestine married Howard Kelm Nov.
21, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Taylor.
A resident of Thorndale since 1956, where she and her husband engaged in ranching — where they enjoyed raising longhorns. After the death of her husband in June 2004, she continued ranching. She retired from ranching at the age 83 due to a back injury.
She also enjoyed baking and sharing with her neighbors, painting, coloring, handwork, gardening, yard work, deer hunting and fishing.
Proceeding her in death were her husband, Howard Kelm; parents, Joe and Lydia Matysek; sister, Lillian Druesdow; and nephew, Jodie Druesdow.
She is survived by son, Wayne (Rita) Kelm; daughter, Janice Kelm; sisters, Anita Matysek and Carolyn Wyckoff; four grandsons, Chris (Nicole) Kelm, Greg Kelm, Jeffrey (Jeneva) Kelm and Stacy (Suzanne) Baker; nieces Debbie (Vernon) Grieger, Vicky (Donald) McDaniel and Cynthia Druesdow; nephews Larry (Amy) Shamard and Gordon (Laura) Druesdow; and nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
She is also survived by special friends Carter and Syd Thornton, Jimmy and Sarah Guthrie, Keith and Brenda Johnson and Leslie Brune.
The visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21, at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor. A funeral service was held Thursday, June 22, at 10 a.m. at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Taylor.
The family would like to give special thanks to all the wonderful caregivers at the Taylor SPJST Assisted Living and Nursing Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Child Development Center in Taylor or the charity of your choice.
