Kelly Ann Dey, 60, was born April 29, 1964, in Farmington, NM to Anton “Tony” and Joyce (Hall) Dey. After battling pancreatic cancer for two years, she left this earth on November 16, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, MT with her son, Matt, mom, sister, and niece, Krista, by her side.

Because her father was in the oil industry, she attended many elementary schools in various places such as Burlington, CO, Rawlins, WY, Ogden, UT, and finally setting roots in Sidney, MT. “Killer”, as she was known in high school, was a proud member of the Class of 1982, and after graduation went to Concordia College for one quarter.

Kelly’s career journey began as a cook at Dairy Queen during her high school years, followed by roles as a cook/ bartender at the Corner Pocket and R&R Lanes. She left Sidney in 1997 to explore her options in Billings. There she worked at a bar called Shooters for a short time before returning home. Kelly was a bookworm and was fortunate enough to land a job at the Homestead Books with lifelong friends Arnie and Lola Hansen as her boss. She worked a short stint for the City of Sidney only to go back to work for the Hansen’s / Ray and Heather Johnson at the South 40. She was a member of the bar and tavern association and loved discovering new food and drink ideas for the 40’s menu.

Her hobbies over the years included bowling, darts, shooting pool, and head banging to music with her nieces and nephew. She liked playing cards and everyone wanted her on their team for Trivial Pursuit! Up until this past year she ran The Pub’s Fantasy Football league where she met many lifelong friends. However, Kelly’s true passions included Las Vegas Raider football, watching the Dickinson Blue Hawks football and spending as much time as she could with family and friends. Her great niece, Wrenley, had Kelly wrapped around her little finger and provided much entertainment especially on her difficult days.

Beyond her professional life, Kelly was deeply involved in her community. She was a member of the Bar and Tavern Association, was an active member of the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA), and served on the Sidney School Board for the past 18 years until her health issues necessitated her stepping down. She truly cared for the youth in the community and supported their welfare academically.

When her son, Matthew, was born she earned the highest honor - Mom. Throughout Matt’s elementary, high school and college days, she was his biggest fan. Whether it was his football, wrestling, baseball, soccer, basketball games or music performances, she was there. She was a huge Sidney Eagle fan and an even bigger Dickinson Blue Hawk fan. It wasn’t just sports that she supported Matt with, but with life in general. Even during her last breath of life, she was so proud that he will be graduating this May as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We know she will be with him Spiritually on that day and she will be proudly smiling down on him.

Kelly is survived by her son, Matthew Dey; mother, Joyce Dey; sister, Kathy (Kirk) Johnson; nieces, Krista (Travis) Iverson and Hailey (Darran) Buxbaum; great niece, Wrenley Buxbaum; nephew, Jared (Nehkyah) Steinbeisser; step nieces Nicole (Josh) Hellyer and family; Jennifer (Cody) Goodyear and family; step nephew, Erik Johnson and family; and the Joe and MaryAnn Steinbeisser family.

Kelly is preceded in death by her father, Tony Dey; significant other, Bill Tyler; brother-in-law, Keith Steinbeisser, grandparents and uncles.

Kelly’s life was marked by her vibrant spirit and dedication to those she loved, leaving a lasting imprint on all who knew her. Our heart is hurting but we are so thankful she is finally free of pain.