George Jelf

Mr. Jelf was born G. Lawrence (Larry) Jelf, Nov. 21, 1923 to Earle Rolla Jelf and Hazel Mae Chastain, in Indianapolis, IN. Larry's father worked as a tool and dye maker for the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, MI where Larry attended school.

In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned to Signal School and given duty on amphibious craft during WWII in African and European Theaters. While in the service he was in North Africa, going on to the invasion of Italy, and finally going on to the invasion on D-Day going into Omaha Beach several times.

After the war, using educational opportunities awarded by the United States to it's servicemen he entered Wayne State University in Detroit, where he met his wife Ruth Anne Hollindale. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Master's Degree in Art Education.

Larry was extremely interested in the arts and especially in the formation of art societies or guilds. In 1952 he founded the Downriver Arts and Crafts Guild in the downriver area of Michigan, which is still in existence. He was a member of the Governors Cultural Commission in Michigan and a member of the Michigan Potters' Association. He entered and set up some three hundred art shows ranging from gallery shows to street shows, and was on the Trenton, Michigan Cultural Commission. He also had an interest in photography which continued through his entire life. In 1971 he and Ruth began St.Thomas Arts Festival bringing much art to a working class neighborhood. The Festival survived for thirty years!

Larry and Ruth were married July 17, 1948 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Detroit. They moved from Detroit, where Larry taught in the public school system then moved to Lincoln Park, MI where Larry taught in the public school systems to Ecorse, MI where Larry taught in the high school and received a Fulbright Grant 1966-67 to teach in England. This was an interesting year and they made many friends which they visited many times over the years.

After retirement in 1979 Larry and Ruth moved to Ingram, TX where they built a home and became interested in the arts and theater, taking part in many plays at the Smith-Ritch Theater in Ingram, TX, and art shows in Texas. They also did more traveling as that has been a major part of their lives.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Anne Jelf of Kerrville; a daughter, Lesley and son-in-law Kerry Kelley, of Portland, OR and grand children Sean and Ryan Kelley, of Portland OR.

Preceded him in death is a son Duane Jelf.

A memorial service will be held 2PM on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Kerrville TX. Friends are invited to celebrate his life.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111

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