Helen “Kelley” Mohs, 69, of Coupeville, died Feb. 9, 2011, surrounded by friends and family in the comfort of her home. Kelley was born Oct. 29, 1941, in Bismarck, N.D., to Clement and Teresa (Hager) Kelley. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Bismarck and received her teaching certificate from Mount Marty College in Yankton, N.D. She taught at schools in Nebraska, Minnesota, Texas and Germany.

Kelley met the love of her life, Donald Mohs, while attending Mankato State College in Minnesota. The two married in 1963 and had two children, Kevin and Kayla. Kelley battled Hodgkin’s Disease in her 20s and won. With her family, she traveled the world, living in Japan, Germany, California, Oklahoma and Texas, finding inspiration for her imaginative artwork and creative cooking. Kelley’s style of oil paintings reflected her formal college training as well as years of living in Japan and Germany. Her training in Japanese simplicity and German Expressionism came together with bold colors and ideas.

Art was an important part of Kelley’s life. Regarding her art she said, “To me art is the tool that allows me to express humor and whimsy with color and movement seen in our everyday surroundings. I believe in the complete artistic process. You see or feel and then create an original interpretation.”

Besides her husband and children, Kelley is survived by her daughter-in-law Yihung and son-in-law Dennis; her five grandchildren. Keegan, Tienne, Selah, Caiden and Sean; her brothers Bob and Chuck; and her sisters Cathy and Mary.

A Facebook page has been created to share memories of Kelley at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Memories-of-Helen-Kelley-Mohs/

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Funeral Mass for Kelley Mohs will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Coupeville with Rev. Philip Raether as Celebrant. Graveside prayers of committal will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall at St. Mary. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, pictures and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.