Rhea Dorothy Kelley
September 22, 1933 - January 15, 2026
Rhea Dorothy Kelley, age 92, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Born in Audenried, PA, on September 22, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Dorothy E. (Maurey) and Herbert A. Crouse, Sr. Rhea was a receptionist at Precision Hair in Wilmington, where she worked for 10 years.
She greatly enjoyed playing bingo with her friends at Broadmeadow, cherishing the time spent laughing and socializing. Rhea also found comfort and joy in singing hymns, a reflection of her faith and gentle spirit.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Carmen L. Manganelli, Sr.; second husband, Ormand Kelley; and siblings, Corrine Bragalone, Herbert Crouse, Jr., and Carl Crouse, Sr. Rhea is survived by her children, Carmen L. Manganelli, Jr. (Theresa), Nicholas A. Manganelli, Dorothy M. Miklus (Michael), and David K. Manganelli; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1:30 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rhea’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 500 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Ashley Manganelli
One thing I will always be proud to say is I actually got to know my great grandmother and that she got to meet her great great grandchildren. Nana was always so proud of that. I know she will be missed terribly not just by family but by all she knew.❤️❤️❤️ Love and miss you Nana
Janice Bockman
She was a sweet person sending prayers.
Kay McMahon
Being close friends with Dottie, I have fond memories of Rhea and her family as a young child growing up. I send deep felt condolences to all her family. Sending prayers for peace and comfort. (Kay tee)
Marie Poore
Cathi and Mike,
So sorry for lost. Mommoms are the best .
Vic & Marilyn Bragalone
Auntie was my Godmother and we always had a special relationship. The most special thing was she let my late wife Barb and l live with her until we could find a place of our own. Lately Marilyn and I visited her and enjoyed spending time together including going to the casino where we really had a wonderful time. We are going to miss her very much. She was wonderful and always happy and fun to be with. Rest in peace. To all the family we both wish you well and fond memories of her.
Marilyn Bragalone
Dottie i send my condolences to you & your family your mom was a sweet loving lady i really enjoyed the time i spent with her when we camed to visit she was a beautiful person we are going to miss her.may God you the strength to get through your grief .sending love to you & your family.
Shawn Williams Stutzman
To Rhea’s family and friends we send our deepest condolences. Rhea was my cousin on my dad’s side of the tree. Her Aunt Alma loved her and each and everyone one of you dearly. The years have pasted but the love has always remained and I have no doubts when Rhea reached her time here down on earth that she was immediately reunited with our Lord and Savior and the reception line of angels and other family members and friends who went on before were only to have to have her. And yet for those of us left behind their is the pain and sting of learning how to live without seeing someone so special and dear. And yet I know for Rhea she is saying it isn’t good bye just I will see you again. She always gave everyone a big hug and smile. How blessed we each were to have gotten to know her. Some of us haven’t seen one another in a long time and yet love always knew no distance. My prayers are for each of you as you celebrate and remember this special women that you take a moment to thank God above for giving her to us to be able to get to know and love. For Love truly is eternal. One day God will wipe away all those tears. For now remember her with Love and the big smile that she was able to give to each of you. RIP In Peace sweet Cousin and I shall see you again.
Robin Klingler-Walls
Dottie sending my condolences to you and your family. May she rest in peace.
Robin
Judy Wadsworth
Carmen, Nick, Dottie, David and family…so sorry for your loss. I always have fond memories of your mother. She had a way of bringing laughter into any room with her infectious witt and charm. She will truly be missed. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Judy & George Wadsworth.
CherylDiOrrio@outlook.com
Dear Dottie,
Our Deepest Condolences in the Memory of you Mother.
Keeping you and your family in Our Prayers.
Love, Cheryl & Al Klerlein
David Lewis
Sorry for your loss. You’re family is in our prayers.
Lena Palmer Gilkey
Dear Dottie and family,
So very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Prayers for you and all your family. I miss seeing you at the store. Lena Gilkey
Boyd Crouse
Unfortunately, I hadn’t seen or spoken with Aunt Rhea over recent years but she is someone you don’t forget. I will always remember her lively demeanor, she loved to laugh and make you laugh. She will be missed but she lives on in our hearts.
Beverly Ross
Dear Rhea’s family, Rhea was one of my best friends for almost 60 years. She was one of the first people I met when I moved to Delaware she has been supportive, through out my life and I feel great loss. I loved her dearly, and cared about all of you as her family, please know that, sending my love, Beverly.