August 8, 1945-September 26, 2023
Carolyn Vestal Kelly died peacefully at her home in Ouray, Colorado on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. She was born August 8, 1945, to Tilman and Rachel Vestal in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Carolyn attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she received a BA in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in social work and a Juris Doctorate degree.
She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. In 1968 she married Thomas Kelly, a law student at SMU School of Law.
Carolyn was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1983 and the Colorado Bar in 2003. In 1983 she joined Jenkins & Gilchrist Law Firm’s Financial Institution’s Section specializing in banking acquisitions and mergers in Dallas, Texas as an associate. She later became a partner of Jenkins and Gilchrist. She retired with her husband Tom in Ouray, Colorado in 2006.
In Ouray, she volunteered and lectured with the Ouray Historical Society, served on the Retirement Board for the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department, and was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Ouray Public School. Carolyn enjoyed skiing, hiking, off-roading, and exploring the mountain communities in Western Colorado. She was a member of ST. John’s Episcopal Church in Ouray and served on the Alter Guild and played in the Bell Choir.
She is predeceased by her parents and a sister Nancy Bahr. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tom, and her Chesapeake/Lab retriever, Brigid, her nephew Conrad Bahr (Dawn) of Holly Lake, TX and his children, and her nephew Erik Bahr (Jackie) of Dallas, TX and their children.
The family wishes to thank the love, care and support Carolyn received from Amber, Jim, Cori, Andrea, and Nina with Hope West Hospice.
A private service will be held, in lieu of flowers, feel free to make a contribution to Hope West Hospice in Montrose, CO or St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ouray, CO or the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
