Chester P. Kelly

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chester P. Kelly (Chet) of Hunters Valley, Mariposa California at the age of 84. He passed peacefully at his home on Monday July 21, 2025, after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer. Chet was a true cowboy, who left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his family and those fortunate enough to call him friend. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Chet whose adventurous spirit, unwavering determination and love for his family, The Kelly Bar Ranch, friends & animals. Chet was an active member of the E Clampus Vitus (Matuca chapter established in 1849) and many community organizations and will be greatly missed by all.  

Chester (Chet) was born February 7, 1941, in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Harry & Mildred (Graham) Kelly, he was one of nine children. He spent his young years growing up in the wonderful town of Belpre Ohio, where he shared many memories of his early years with his siblings, playing baseball & basketball and getting into a bit of trouble from time to time with his cousins. Chet moved to California after serving in the US Army in approximately 1962.

Chet proudly worked for Twining Laboratories where he held the position of Building Inspector and was licensed as a Construction Inspector from 1978-1992. His last project was the Doctor’s Medical Center parking garage. It should also be noted that during his time in Modesto (unsure years of operation) he owned Chet’s Log Cabin, a bar lounge that was the place to be for friendships and gatherings after a long day.

Chet married Mitzi J. Waranowski (Stevens) on September 16, 1978. Welcoming her children to the fold, Diane, Debbie & Donna. Uncle Chet brought Michael (Stepson) to the family. Chet and Mitzi shared a love for country living, horses and music, over the years Mitzi was known to play an electric organ on many family occasions. It was clear soon after they were married that they would move and buy property where they could have horses enjoy a quieter way of living.

Chet & Mitzi moved to Hornitos/Hunters Valley in 1982 and have been lifelong residents of Mariposa.  Chet & Mitzi built their home and established the Kelly Bar Ranch where they hosted many family gatherings and get togethers through the years. They loved the ranch and in fact never wanted to leave unless it was necessary.

Chet and Mitzi previously owned the Dart Inn (Mt. Bullion) and then the Line Shack bait store in Merced Falls. Chet & Mitzi shared many wonderful memoires at the Dart Inn which held fishing tournaments and proudly posted the “biggest Catch” of the month on the wall of the bait store.

One thing for sure is that Chet loved his family, whether teaching the grandchildren about horses or shooting guns on the ranch or just sitting under the big trees admiring Lake McClure while BBQing he loved it all. He was very proud of his family and leaving a legacy and appreciation for all that he built at the Kelly Bar Ranch which was very important to him. He said on many occasions, “I hope this Ranch is a place my family will gather for years to come.”

Chet was proceeded in death by his wife Mitzi Kelly, his parents, Harry & Mildred Kelly, eight brothers and sisters, Lewis Edison Kelly, John Harry Kelly, Anna Louise Kelly (Pannell), Donald Mirvan Kelly, Jeanette Marie Kelly (Francis), Betty Elizabeth Kelly (Burnside), & Ronald Herbert Kelly. A grandson Thomas Rice and stepdaughter Donna Versola. He is survived by two stepdaughters, Debbie Waranowski (Mariposa, CA) and Diane Holt (Hunters Valley, CA) & Stepson Michael Harkins (Stockton, CA). Seven Grandchildren and approximately twenty-four great grandchildren. Multiple Nieces and nephews. Chet & Mitzi considered many close friends their family and loved their children as their own.

Chet was a dedicated husband, Dad and friend to many throughout the years. He loved & treasured the Kelly Bar Ranch and loved just enjoying the views, taking time for the horses, raising yellow lab puppies and having his family visit. Over the past two years Chet underwent radiation therapy and was able to stay with his nephew Brent & Susan, who took him to and from treatment & helped him through this time, he shared many life stories, ate ice cream on the porch and enjoyed his time in Modesto. His niece Connie Chamberlain and husband Pete visited multiple times and coordinated a few small family reunions. Chet was also able to fly to Idaho to visit a granddaughter for a wonderful stay enjoying family projects meeting and getting to know great grandchildren. His granddaughter Brandy Ayers for multiple visits and help with the animals and the ranch. Also, a very special “thank you” to Connie who stayed with Uncle Chet for several months coordinating with hospice, allowing Chet to stay in his home where he was most comfortable, during Chet’s last few weeks his grandson Robert who also stayed by his side, until his last day. Thank you, “Bumper” (Ken) for all you’ve done through the years your love and dedication to the Kelly family does not go unnoticed. We know your family brought so much joy to Chet & Mitzi. Thank you, to Diane who also lives on the ranch and helped out so much.

Lastly, to Hospice of Mariposa and Merced we are forever grateful for all your time and care supporting Chet’s wishes of staying in his home through his end-of-life moments. We respect that the Kelly Bar Ranch is rural and a long way out, so your time and compassion along with empathy and kindness is greatly appreciated.

The family will be planning a small celebration of life on Sunday September 21, 2025, at the home of Brent & Susan in Modesto. For any additional information please reach out to Brent (209) 968-6328

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chester P. Kelly (Chet) of Hunters Valley, Mariposa California at the age of 84. He passed peacefully at his home on Monday July 21, 2025, after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer. Chet was a true cowboy, who left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his family and those fortunate enough to call him friend. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Chet whose adventurous spirit, unwavering determination and love for his family, The Kelly Bar Ranch, friends & animals. Chet was an active member of the E Clampus Vitus (Matuca chapter established in 1849) and many community organizations and will be greatly missed by all.  

Chester (Chet) was born February 7, 1941, in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Harry & Mildred (Graham) Kelly, he was one of nine children. He spent his young years growing up in the wonderful town of Belpre Ohio, where he shared many memories of his early years with his siblings, playing baseball & basketball and getting into a bit of trouble from time to time with his cousins. Chet moved to California after serving in the US Army in approximately 1962.

Chet proudly worked for Twining Laboratories where he held the position of Building Inspector and was licensed as a Construction Inspector from 1978-1992. His last project was the Doctor’s Medical Center parking garage. It should also be noted that during his time in Modesto (unsure years of operation) he owned Chet’s Log Cabin, a bar lounge that was the place to be for friendships and gatherings after a long day.

Chet married Mitzi J. Waranowski (Stevens) on September 16, 1978. Welcoming her children to the fold, Diane, Debbie & Donna. Uncle Chet brought Michael (Stepson) to the family. Chet and Mitzi shared a love for country living, horses and music, over the years Mitzi was known to play an electric organ on many family occasions. It was clear soon after they were married that they would move and buy property where they could have horses enjoy a quieter way of living.

Chet & Mitzi moved to Hornitos/Hunters Valley in 1982 and have been lifelong residents of Mariposa.  Chet & Mitzi built their home and established the Kelly Bar Ranch where they hosted many family gatherings and get togethers through the years. They loved the ranch and in fact never wanted to leave unless it was necessary.

Chet and Mitzi previously owned the Dart Inn (Mt. Bullion) and then the Line Shack bait store in Merced Falls. Chet & Mitzi shared many wonderful memoires at the Dart Inn which held fishing tournaments and proudly posted the “biggest Catch” of the month on the wall of the bait store.

One thing for sure is that Chet loved his family, whether teaching the grandchildren about horses or shooting guns on the ranch or just sitting under the big trees admiring Lake McClure while BBQing he loved it all. He was very proud of his family and leaving a legacy and appreciation for all that he built at the Kelly Bar Ranch which was very important to him. He said on many occasions, “I hope this Ranch is a place my family will gather for years to come.”

Chet was proceeded in death by his wife Mitzi Kelly, his parents, Harry & Mildred Kelly, eight brothers and sisters, Lewis Edison Kelly, John Harry Kelly, Anna Louise Kelly (Pannell), Donald Mirvan Kelly, Jeanette Marie Kelly (Francis), Betty Elizabeth Kelly (Burnside), & Ronald Herbert Kelly. A grandson Thomas Rice and stepdaughter Donna Versola. He is survived by two stepdaughters, Debbie Waranowski (Mariposa, CA) and Diane Holt (Hunters Valley, CA) & Stepson Michael Harkins (Stockton, CA). Seven Grandchildren and approximately twenty-four great grandchildren. Multiple Nieces and nephews. Chet & Mitzi considered many close friends their family and loved their children as their own.

Chet was a dedicated husband, Dad and friend to many throughout the years. He loved & treasured the Kelly Bar Ranch and loved just enjoying the views, taking time for the horses, raising yellow lab puppies and having his family visit. Over the past two years Chet underwent radiation therapy and was able to stay with his nephew Brent & Susan, who took him to and from treatment & helped him through this time, he shared many life stories, ate ice cream on the porch and enjoyed his time in Modesto. His niece Connie Chamberlain and husband Pete visited multiple times and coordinated a few small family reunions. Chet was also able to fly to Idaho to visit a granddaughter for a wonderful stay enjoying family projects meeting and getting to know great grandchildren. His granddaughter Brandy Ayers for multiple visits and help with the animals and the ranch. Also, a very special “thank you” to Connie who stayed with Uncle Chet for several months coordinating with hospice, allowing Chet to stay in his home where he was most comfortable, during Chet’s last few weeks his grandson Robert who also stayed by his side, until his last day. Thank you, “Bumper” (Ken) for all you’ve done through the years your love and dedication to the Kelly family does not go unnoticed. We know your family brought so much joy to Chet & Mitzi. Thank you, to Diane who also lives on the ranch and helped out so much.

Lastly, to Hospice of Mariposa and Merced we are forever grateful for all your time and care supporting Chet’s wishes of staying in his home through his end-of-life moments. We respect that the Kelly Bar Ranch is rural and a long way out, so your time and compassion along with empathy and kindness is greatly appreciated.

The family will be planning a small celebration of life on Sunday September 21, 2025, at the home of Brent & Susan in Modesto. For any additional information please reach out to Brent (209) 968-6328

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