10/20/2025
Laura "Ileene" Kelly
Laura “Ileene” (Cypert) Kelly, 71, passed from the loving arms of her family into the embrace of her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, on the evening of October 16, 2025, in Springdale, Arkansas.
Ileene was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 14th, 1954. Her parents, Father, Willard Marion Cypert, her mother, Beulah Mae (Hand) Stone, and Beloved Stepmother Joyce Ann (Scoggins) Cypert. She shared her birthday with her Maternal Grandfather, Delbert Davidson Hand. Her parents divorced when she was very young and soon her “Mama Joyce” and Dad were married. In addition to her 2 Brothers, Charles Cypert, Steve Cypert, her Stepsiblings Lloyd Henry Lester, Jo Ann (Lester), Alan Lester, and 2 Half-Siblings, Anthony Stone and Judy Cypert. There was never a lack of entertainment with such a large family.
Ileene met the great love of her life, Mitchell Kelly in Tulsa in January 1990. They later married in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 3, 1994. They were happily married and had just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. His “Sweetie” and her “Dancin’ Partner” were so loving and devoted to each other. Together they built a beautiful legacy of love. They enjoyed many wonderful adventures through the years such as Skydiving and they loved driving and exploring the roads around their beautiful Ozark Home. It was a true Blessing to witness their amazing partnership, love, and deep respect for each other and their Children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.
Ileene was a cherished Mother to her daughter, Angelia (Dodson) Guest, her son, Aaron “Wade” Dodson, her Son-in-Law Bryan Guest and Daughter-in-Law Misty (Sutton) Dodson. She was a strong, dedicated and stable provider for them. She lived a good Christian life and showered them all with love and support. She always went to any events that her children and Grandchildren participated in and was their biggest cheerleader.
Ileene went to Coweta Public Schools, in Coweta, Oklahoma. After high school she joined the Job Corps in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She continued her education and earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Phoenix in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Eventually, she graduated with a master’s degree in accounting from Webster University in Rogers, Arkansas. Education was very important to her, and she constantly strove to better herself with her jobs and endeavors.
Ileene was a great lover of animals and would constantly take in strays. She had a passion for all animals and would even hand-feed wild Raccoons that would come up on their porch. Over the years she and Mitch have provided a loving, nurturing and safe home for so many fur babies.
Ileene loved playing Soccer and played for several years during the 1970’s and 1980’s. She was a graceful and tough player. Ileene also enjoyed coaching and refereeing Soccer. In 1989 she became the first female referee in the state of Oklahoma for Men’s College Soccer. She was also selected as the “4th” Referee for the Professional Soccer Club, The Tulsa Roughnecks. A very high honor that gained her lots of recognition during a time when women didn’t referee at that level. She was never afraid of the men and had no problem throwing a Red Card and ejecting players from the game. She had a reputation for being fair, unbiased, and not someone to mess with. She was very proud of her achievements. She also loved watching FIFA World Cup Soccer and rarely missed a game.
Ileene had so many talents from sewing clothing for her baby dolls as a kid, to making matching outfits for her children, beautiful gowns for prom and graduations. She was also an award-winning quilt maker. She loved sewing and spent many hours and years making some of the most stunning quilts anyone has ever seen. Her favorite quilts were Scrappy Quilts. She won many ribbons from the County Fairs and entered her quilts at various nationwide and international quilt shows. She had a talent for choosing fabric and strived to come up with beautiful color combinations that were not the norm. Each one became a masterpiece. She loved gifting her quilts to her family and dear friends.
Ileene was also a member of the Quilt Guild of NW Arkansas, the Holiday Island Guild and a few other local guilds. She even had her talent showcased in the Madison County Record newspaper. Currently and for the last 2 ½ years she was the Treasurer for the Quilt Guild of NW Arkansas. She enjoyed taking classes with the guilds and built lasting friendships with so many of the members. She also worked with her dear friend, Shirley Reed at her quilt shop in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Ileene is survived by her devoted husband, Mitch Kelly of the home in Huntsville, AR, her daughter Angelia (Dodson) Guest and husband Bryan Guest of Huntsville, AR, her Daughter-in-law Misty (Sutton) Dodson of Coweta, Oklahoma. Her Brothers, Steve Cypert, Lloyd Henry Lester, and Alan Lester, 2 Sisters, Jo Ann Lester and Judy Cypert. Her brother and sister-in-law Scott and Kelley Kelly. She had 13 Grandchildren – Josh, Colter, Chase, Shawni and husband Nick, Christopher, Grace and husband Matt, Grant, AJ, Cade, Autumn & Ireland and 10 Great- Grandchildren, Jake, Emerick, Jackson, Ember, Emily, Lance, Levi, Braden, Mattie and Thomas. All of whom brought her great joy, pride and happiness. She leaves behind a host of extended family and dear friends that will truly miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard Cypert, Beulah Stone, and Joyce Cypert, Her Son, Aaron “Wade” Dodson, her Brothers Charles Cypert and Anthony Stone. Her in-laws, Rufus & Juanita Kelly and Dorothy Dixon.
A visitation will be held at Hindsville First Baptist Church, 4373 S. Main St., Hindsville, Arkansas 72738, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM at the same location. On Friday, October 24, 2025, a visitation will take place at Brown Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Oklahoma 74429, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by graveside services at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, Oklahoma at 1:30 PM.
Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Ileene’s family entrusted her care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Oklahoma 74429, 918-486-5515.
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