Robert Alan Kelly

Robert Alan Kelly September 29, 1950 - February 22, 2026 Robert Alan Kelly, owner of Ruth Kelly Studio, passed away February 22, 2026 in Muskogee at the age 75. He was born on September 29,1950, in Santa Cruz, California, to Ruth Carter (Kelly) and Charles Buck Kelly. Robert attended Central High School in Muskogee, graduating in 1969 where he also met the love of his life Aleta "Sam" Severance. He had a lineman's dream come true when he intercepted a pass and returned it 92 yards for a touchdown. He stole a kiss from the most gorgeous red head he had ever seen. He was also named to the 1968 Oklahoma Seven All Conference Football Squad. Robert married his high school sweetheart on April 17, 1970. Three children were born to this marriage. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Northeastern State University graduating in the spring of 1974. After college, he returned home to Muskogee to work alongside his parents in the family photography business. When Robert began working with his parents, the studio primarily focused on senior portraits. Through his vision, leadership, and dedication, he was instrumental in expanding the business into school photography across Oklahoma. Under his influence, the company grew to photograph more than 580,000 students each year statewide and now produces yearbooks for schools all across Oklahoma. Every photograph is proudly produced in Muskogee, reflecting Robert's commitment to quality, community, and keeping the work local. His leadership helped establish the company as the only Oklahoma-based photography business. A respected Master Photographer, Robert earned recognition for both his artistic talent and professionalism. He was a member of the Professional School Photographers of America, the School Photographers of California, the Photo Marketing Association (PMA), and the Progressive Professional Portrait Photographers. One of Robert's greatest passions was football photography. For more than 20 years, he photographed Oklahoma football and bowl games, where he was known for capturing high-energy action shots. He loved freezing the perfect moment and took great pride in documenting the tradition of Oklahoma football. Outside of his professional life, Robert loved exploring throughout the world with his family by his side. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, traveling across the country pursuing his love of the outdoors. Robert was a proud 32nd Degree Master Mason and a member of Trinity Lodge No. 502, Muskogee Bedouin Shrine, Muskogee Jesters, Evening Optimist Club, Elks Club, and Muskogee County Republicans. He was involved with the Muskogee Science Fair every year and was a proud supporter of Oklahoma Public Schools. Above all, Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his wife Sam of 55 years; his children Jason Kelly of Tulsa; Charli Mosteller and her husband, Gabe of Fort Gibson, Robbie Kelly and his wife, Nichole of Muskogee; his sister, Kelly Eddington of Montana; his cousin, Ken Epperson and his wife Judy; and his grandchildren Buckey Kelly, Finn Mosteller, Hayes Mosteller, Parker Kelly, Carsyn Kelly, and Tucker Kelly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Ruth Kelly. Robert's steady presence, dependability, honesty and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew him. His legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to family, community, and education will continue for generations. Honorary Pallbearers include Joe Gordon, Steve Grober, Jeff Lashley, John Little, Tom Linihan, Roger Sharp, Lou Skaggs, Danny Spurlock and Tom Stiles. Robert also loved his Ruth Kelly girls, Carol Cole, Holly Jackson and Stacy Willhite. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Muskogee High School Football, Attn: Dale Condict, 3200 East Shawnee Road, Muskogee, OK. Make checks payable to: Muskogee Football, in Robert's memory. Robert will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Funeral service for Robert Kelly will be held at Boulevard Christian Church on Wednesday March 4, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Harry Fitzgerald officiating. A private family interment will be at Greenhill Cemetery on Thursday, March 5, 2026.