CENTRALIA, WASH. — Centralia resident Kelly Jean Phelps died at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash., on March 9, after a long battle with breast cancer.

She was 46. Kelly was born to Thomas and Mary Lou Zink on Nov. 13, 1964, in Englewood, Colo. Kelly was the oldest of eight children. She grew up in Claflin and graduated from Claflin School in 1983. She attended Fort Hays State University in Kansas for two years. In the summer of 1985 Kelly joined her family in Durango, Colo. Kelly managed Kangaroo Express for several years while attending Fort Lewis College. She married Dana Phelps on June 11, 1988, at St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango, Colo. In 1994 Kelly and Dana moved their family from Durango to Bayfield, Colo. Upon graduating from Fort Lewis College, Kelly was employed at Bayfield School District, subbing for various classrooms. In 2005 Kelly was embarked on her "Great Adventure" moving her family to Centralia, Wash. Kelly was employed at Centralia Middle School until the time of her death.

Kelly loved reading, playing games, Jeopardy, and listening to her boys and husband sing and play music.

Kelly was very involved in her Catholic faith. She helped with the youth group and taught religious education.

Kelly’s greatest achievement in life was receiving her teaching certificate. Kelly’s legendary laugh will be missed by all. She also coached volleyball at CMS and was the bookkeeper for St. Joseph’s Parish Cluster.

Kelly is survived by her husband of 22 years, Dana Phelps; sons Zachariah and Steven Phelps of Centralia, Wash.; parents Thomas and Mary Lou Zink of Bayfield, Colo.; brothers Patrick Zink and Michael Zink; sisters Kristi Phelps, Nancy Phelps and Andrea Queen, all of Bayfield, Colo., Anne Utterback of Warrenton, Ore, Theresa Surprenant of Centralia, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews; and a plethora of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday at St. Joseph’s Parish. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will he held at St. Mary’s in Centralia immediately following. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made to charity of your choice. A guest book may be signed at www.legacy.com/chronline