Jill Anna Kelso

Jill was born June 27th 1953 at then Sutter maternity hospital in Sacramento to Lee and Herb Dewald. After a few years as a young child Jill developed significant ear trouble and the family moved to Southern California to the El Centro region for the dry climate. After a few years the heat of the desert became a problem for them, so they moved to the San Diego area. Lee and Herb had another daughter Jackie, and the two girls grew and thrived in the San Diego area. During Jill’s sophomore year at Mount Miguel high school in Spring Valley CA she met a young man named Mike Kelso. The two very shy individuals struck up a friendship. During the summer of that year Jill’s folks moved to a di.erent school district. Mike then using the tools of the day (the phone book) tracked her down and their first date was the senior banquet. The two attended community college together. Mike then moved to the Sacramento area for a job, and they continued to date long distance. On one of his many trips down to visit Mike proposed to Jill. She accepted, they were married in her home church. Mike then moved her up to Sacramento with him, where the couple lived and raised two children, Sarah and Kathryne (Katy). Mike and Jill were married for 52 years. As a strong Christian Jill passed her faith on to Mike and to their two children Sarah and Katy. Jill was a master knitter, needlework crafter and quilter. Jill loved making baby blankets (many donated to charity) quilts, tote bags, quilted clothing and needlepoint pictures. She passed those skills down to her daughters. Her beautiful creations now adorn nearly every room of their house and are treasured possessions. Jill lived a life of quiet dignity. Loving her Lord, loving and being loved by her family and her friends which now miss her dearly. Jill was a loving wife, devoted mother and loyal friend. She passed away Friday, October 31, 2025 at Mercy San Juan Hospital. Survived by her husband Mike, daughters Sarah and Katy and her sister Jackie.

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