Kathleen Mary “Kelly” Moorse died peacefully on January 2, 2019. Born on May 8, 1948, in Marshall, Minnesota, Kelly moved with her family to Fort Benton, Montana, when she was three years old. She graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor’s degree in education and received her master’s degree in theology and communication from Aquinas Institute in Dubuque, Iowa.
Kelly began her career establishing religious education programs in the Catholic parishes of Anaconda, Montana, and St. Michael’s in Prior Lake, Minnesota. She found her way to Helena, Montana, in 1977, where she began working for the State of Montana in various roles, including Program Manager for the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors. She continued her advocacy for those with mental disabilities in the private sector with Magellan Behavioral Health Corporation and Montana Community Partners. Regardless of where Kelly worked, her passion to protect vulnerable people showed.
Kelly had many talents, but retiring was not one of them. She retired twice from the State and returned under contract as a Program Consultant for the Office on Aging, conducting legal document clinics throughout the state. She worked zealously on behalf of others all the way to her death.
Very active in the Helena community, Kelly served and donated to many local non-profit organizations. In her volunteer work, as well as her job, some of her favorite moments were spent teaching and mentoring young people in the work she loved.
Kelly loved to travel, especially when there was a wine trail, food tour, museum, or art event involved. She spoke fondly of her first night at her host family’s home in Mexico in the early 1960s, when an entire rabbit was plopped down in front of her for dinner. She and her husband Jim traveled through the United States and Europe, usually with their bicycles. One of her most memorable European trips was to France and Belgium with her dad and sister. Her dad, Grandpa Joe, gave a guided tour of several World War II battle sites where he served. There were also many treasured trips with her nieces, nephews, and godchildren. On two occasions, while traveling with friends, she made impromptu road trips back from Texas after buying so much wine it couldn’t be shipped.
Her other passion was cooking. Kelly spent several years cooking in her “free time” at Benny’s Bistro and on many special occasions for her family. She also catered many special events around Helena with her catering partner, Jeff Spurlin. You could always rely on Kelly for a good recipe, and her favorite calls were from family and friends asking for the specific instructions of how to make the signature Moorse Belgium Cookie Recipe just right, or the best way to get the potica dough thin enough.
Part of what made Kelly so special was her ability to connect with people. She touched people’s lives all across the state of Montana, and especially in Helena. Her family was always amazed by the number of people Kelly knew throughout the state, and eventually most people in Montana could be connected through “the three degrees of separation of Kelly.”
Kelly was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Farrell, her parents, Joe and Mary Moorse, an infant brother, William Joseph, and her close friend, Matthew Dale.
Kelly is survived by her two sisters, Theresa Fellows (Lyman) and Mary Jo Mattocks (Steve); one brother, Bill Moorse (Julie); two nieces, Stephanie Murray (Nick) and Kayla Sherwood (Andrew); and two nephews, Brian Mattocks and Cody Moorse (Lauren). She is also survived by four great nephews (Blake, Caleb, Logan, and Clayton); all her very special godchildren; and her world traveling partner, Linda Laitner.
At her core, Kelly was a kind, strong woman with a great laugh. She had a knack for making all people feel welcome. She certainly did Fort Benton proud.
A celebration of Kelly’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Holter Museum of Art, 12 E Lawrence St., Helena. Memorials in Kelly’s honor may be made to the Friendship Center, 1430 Sanders, Helena, MT 59601; the Lewis and Clark Library Foundation, 120 South Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601; or a memorial of choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Kelly.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 22, 2019
Holter Museum of Art
12 E Lawrence
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 22, 2019
Holter Museum of Art
12 E Lawrence
Helena, Montana 59601
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Tensina "Tina" Smith says
Kelly was an amazing woman, who I had the privilege of working with for many years in the health industry. She remained vigilant in her cause to help others and advocate for them, and she was always professional and a caring mentor. She smiled often, and her welcoming heart will be dearly missed.
Mike Byron says
It was my honor to know Kelly, mostly through our mutual friend Matt Dale, who loved her dearly, and who died just months ago. Kelly was so gracious and hospitable and welcoming to me and those whom she came to know. She loved to feed people, literally,…and what greater gift of welcome is there than that?! May she be at peace, with Jim and with all those to whom she reached out with such care in Helena.
Mike Byron
Bob Schleicher says
Kelly did more for seniors than anyone in the state. She was a kind, wonderful friend. No one could out work or out bake her. I learned so much from her. Her infectious smile and laughter will always be missed. Rest my friend.
Tara Wooten says
I was so sorry to hear about Kelly’s passing. She was such a passionate woman, and I learned so much from her in the short time I knew her. Rest in peace Kelly.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Played racquetball with Kelly in our younger days at Capital Courts.
Always a smile, as she proceeded to just “thrash” me at the game. 😮
I’ll always remember Kelly & Jim..they adored each other.
Bless your heart ♥️Kelly.
Mary Kay & George
Kathleen Harrington says
Last Fall I saw Kelly for the first time in many years. We had a hug and short conversation. I knew her when she provided invaluable information to me as I drafted public health legislation in the 1970’s. She was always working to help those who could not help themselves. A lovely lady!
Jackie Stoeckel says
Kelly is so very missed at our office and in Helena. I can still hear her laugh and remember so fondly her smile and kindness. She was always lifting up others. I miss her very much and am thankful to have had her in my life.
Jan Brown says
Kelly was so very kind to my husband Bill’s elderly aunt, Virginia Pruett, prior to her death last year. Our family appreciated her patience with and kindness to Ginny. I know that Kelly also did so much for the people of our state over the years. She will be greatly missed.
Linda Rasor Currie says
Kelly was a great MSU college buddy. She always had a kind heart, generous spirit and faith in humanity. Will never forget her stories about serving in Mexico.
Myrna Omholt-Mason says
You will be missed dear Kelly. It was an honor to work with you and I’ll always remember your compassion and dedication to your clients and sharing those traits with your friends. Rest in peace my friend.
Kathy De Lude says
Chef Kelly was amazing Sous Chef and always pushing me to be the best. She will always be missed and never forgotten. We will meet again my friend and continue to make some wonderful food together. Rest In Peace Kel.
Anna Rolando says
I’ll always remember Kelly as a warm and gracious woman who worked tirelessly to advocate for our at risk and vulnerable neighbors. She was one of my first social work mentors as a young professional. Blessings to her family. 💕
tom cherry says
Kelly was the consumate professional and Advocate. A fixture in the Mental Health movement she’ll no doubt be well-received Upstairs. Did Ft Benton proud!
Marianne Niesen says
I got to know Kelly when I was asked., as the pastor of St. Paul’s UMC, to do the funeral for her husband Jim. It was a tender time and a privilege to get to know her as we planned that service. I will remember Kelly as a faithful and good friend to many. Most recently, I spent time with Kelly when I returned to Helena for my friend, Matt Dale’s memorial service. Kelly’s hospitality and welcome at a difficult time was a wonderful gift.
Dawn Holliday says
Kelly was somehow affiliated with every job I have had for the last 45 years. She was the most compassionate and persistent consumer advocate and friend. She can now join her husband, but will be greatly missed by fellow Montanans. She was a role model for all in service positions. Now, Rest In Peace Kelly!
Kathie Z says
I so enjoyed working alongside Kelly. She taught me compassion, love and how to enjoy life. Helena lost another great person.
Pamela Cooper says
Dearest Kelly-the Angels have finally called you home. Therefore, your job on earth is over and you can rest while being rejoined in the arms of your husband Jim, which brings me peace. You lived life to the fullest, and you Inspired us all to do the same. Your tireless love and compassion for others was undying. You were the very best teacher and advocate, that I have ever met. I can still recall our Ombudsman training together, over 11 years ago-like it was just yesterday. I will miss your sweet smile, your kind words, and the “Power of the Fight” that you had in you, for advocating for the “Rights” of others. I will carry on living my life. through your teachings. I will miss you. With your passing, it is Heaven’s gain and our loss. Rest in Peace, sweet soul.
Sue Larson Kirkman says
I have known Kathy, later, at 13 Kelly, from the time she moved to Fort Benton at 3. We were fast friends through high school and although she went to Montana State we remained connected by reunions and phone. She was a brides maid for me and in later years helped me with placement of my own parents in facilities. She walked me through the process. When she got cancer she took it strongly; when I got cancer she was there for me. Kelly was a giver and give she did in countless ways. I will so miss her and cherish the time at our 50th and the following summer where we had time to really talk about our lives. She was one of a kind. She made a difference.
Mary Humble Kuffner says
I remember Kelly and her family from Fort Benton during my Jr high and high school years. I was a Carter, Mt kid who rode the bus to school. Kelly would invite me to stay at her house when there were school events. Her and other friends wanted to stay at my house in Carter, at first I was embarrassed to have them as we only had an outdoor bathroom, but they really wanted to come. We had a great tme and Kelly said this will help all of us appreciate life more. And she was right. Her whole family treated me like family. I enjoyed revisiting with her during reunions but lost track of her when I moved to Alaska. Upon hearing of her entering St Pats in December, I happened to be going to Helena to visit my husbands aunt and went right to the hospital. Thank you to her brother for letting me see her as they had to restricted visitations. It was like we never lost track of each other. She had an amazing gift with people and I will cherish that visit. I know she is at peace now and looking down on all of us with that beautiful smile of hers.
Concetta Eckel says
I felt priviledged to know Kelly. She always had a wonderful smile and a kind word. And, I loved her passion for cooking!
Raynold Kunnary says
So sorry to of your loss. Kelly was an awesome person. I played racquetball with her many times. I also knew her husband Jim Farrell.
God Bless you Kelly.
Sally & Clyde says
We met Kelly a number of years ago but really got to know her on a Montana Chamber trip to Cuba about 6 years ago. She was a delightful, upbeat person and lots of fun. Our last short visit with her was at McDonald’s where she was treating her nephew Caleb to dinner. We also knew her husband Jim Farrell. We are glad they are together again.