Lonnette Kelley

Lonnette Kelley is no stranger to farm life. Growing up in southwestern Minnesota, she helped work the black fields and abundant harvests. Lonnette served most of her 55 years as a nurse in South Dakota with brief assignments in Nebraska and North Dakota. Her creative and entrepreneurial spirit has continuously tugged for attention throughout her life. Besides her nursing career, she also ran a bed and breakfast, where her most celebrated honor came in 1999 when the President of Iceland chose to stay at her establishment at 221 Melsted Place in Mountain, North Dakota. Then during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, Lonnette had another “tug” on her heart to create “The Eyes of God” ministry: simple hand-painted cards featuring wide-eyed animals that could break the barriers of isolation by bringing smiles and love to those suffering loneliness and despair. To date, she has placed over 4,000 cards of hope into the hands of those in need. To find healing and peace for herself in the middle of all the sadness, Lonnette enjoyed beautiful drives through nature which eventually led her to explore over 4,000 miles of what she calls God’s Country, the Heartland of southeastern South Dakota. Knowing the love of the Lord, Lonnette is inspired to reach out to others and share her walk of faith through her writings, photography, speaking, and encouraging thoughts, that others may also find joy in the presence of God. Blessed with a son and daughter, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two sisters, and their families, Lonnette’s passion is hospitality. She can be found cooking and gathering family and friends around her dining table where she lovingly spoils and gives thanks for each moment they can be together. Lonnette understands how quickly life can change after losing her son. Visit www.lonnettekelley.com to keep up with Lonnette and all her adventures.