Lynette Kelly

Lynette Kelly, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated caregiver, passed away in Abilene, Texas, on August 6th, 2026. She was born on September 6th, 1943, in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia, to Llewellyn Clark Saunders and Jesse Peace Victoria (Gardner) Saunders.

Lynette grew up “in the bush” in Red Hill, Victoria and worked for a local farm as a teen, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for simple living. Church was an important part of her early life, helping shape her faith that would guide her through many difficult seasons in the years to come, sustaining her with strength, hope, and perseverance. She gave her life to Jesus as a teenager and remained faithful in her pursuit of Him until the end of her life.

After marrying her husband, Norman Thomas Kelly, she raised his three sons and their children Joanne, Linda Kaye and Timothy. After raising her own children, she raised her grandson, Andrew. Lynette lived a life defined by compassion, resilience, and service to others. She began her professional journey as a Registered Nurse and licensed Midwife at Townsville General Hospital in Queensland, Australia, where she developed a deep commitment to caring for those in need. Later in life, she courageously moved from Australia to America to pursue higher education. She attended Abilene Christian University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling with a focus on Gerontology.

Combining her clinical nursing expertise with her counseling education, Lynette went on to serve as Director of Nursing in multiple nursing facilities in Baird and Abilene, Texas. Her leadership and dedication positively impacted countless patients, families, and colleagues. She concluded her career by returning to hands-on nursing at the Abilene State Supported Living Center in Abilene, where she continued to provide comfort and care with the same warmth that defined her life until her retirement.

In addition to her professional work, Lynette was a founding board member of Jeremiah’s Hope, a ministry that was especially close to her heart.  She deeply loved its mission to serve orphans, at-risk youth, and the elderly in Ukraine. Over her years of involvement, she made at least a half dozen trips to Ukraine, personally investing in the lives of those the organization served and faithfully supporting its ongoing work.In Australia, Lynette was a member of several churches over the years and was active in teaching children’s Sunday School classes. For the last 39 years, Lynette was a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Early on, she was active in the Hillcrest bus ministry, taught Sunday school, was active in her Sunday School Class and Life Group. She also visited shut-ins in their homes and nursing homes when they were no longer able to attend.

Lynette was preceded in death by her parents, Llewellyn Clark Saunders and Jesse Peace Victoria Gardner Saunders; ; and her three stepsons, Robert, James, and Brian. She is survived by her two brothers: Graeme Saunders of Brisbane, Australia and Michael Saunders of Albany, Australia; her loving children: Joanne Weeden of Evansville, Wisconsin; Linda Kaye Kelly of Townsville, Australia; and Timothy Kelly of Gold Coast, Australia. She cherished her grandchildren: Mandy, Kerry, Andrew, Rachael, Kane, Jacqueline, Christopher, Sara, Sean, Robert, Jessica, Catherine, Robert, Matilda, Tom, Beth, Sheri and Jesse as well as great-grandchildren—Joshua, Liza, Abbie, Sophie, Noah, Alex, Abigail, Scarlett and Caleb— who were a constant source of pride and joy.

Lynette will be remembered for her legacy of compassion, strength, and steadfast faith. The family sincerely thanks Rachael Valfre and Hendrick Hospice Care for the grace, compassion, and loving care they extended to Lynette during her final months, a true reflection of God’s presence in her final season.

A Celebration of Lynette’s life will be held later in the fall in Abilene, Texas.

Memorials can be sent to: Jeremiah’s Hope, PO Box 3411, Abilene, Texas 79604.