Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Ardys Kellerman, Texas Grandma, Long Distance Motorcycle Rider. RIP



We came from every state in New England plus New York, New Jersey Nova Scotia, Florida and Wisconsin. The good folks from Lone Star BMW made the trip. We came on 2 wheels, three and four. We rode BMW's, Honda's, Yamaha's and even Harley's.   We represented the MOA, RA, IBA and more.  We arrived as one to St Luke’s Church in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.  We were single minded in our desire to pay our respects and celebrate the life of our friend Ardys “Queenie” Kellerman.


The Rev. Timothy Rich personally welcomed each of us as we arrived at the church; as did Ardys’ extended family: children, grand and great grand children.  The Reverend assured us that our riding attire would be just fine in his church.  So side by side we stood, fanning ourselves in the heat, collared shirts and ties, rally t-shirts and mesh riding pants. It didn’t matter what we wore, it mattered that we were there.

John Ryan still in his sun bleached gray Aerostitch uniform got up to share his remembrances as did her grandson Jared Swanson.  She knew and loved all of her grandchildren as individuals he said, sending little trinkets to them as she traveled around.

As mass ended we collectively smiled to hear Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” fill the church ...a song that stays in your helmet for many miles.It was easy to feel that Ardys’ was simply on a new road.

A reception followed at the Quonset O Club in North Kingston. Many of her awards and mementos and artifacts of rallies gone by were nicely displayed. Ardys packed in a lot SMiles and friends when she was here. And we all left with a little bit of her, not just in out hearts but in our tank bags. It seems that Ardys wanted her ashes spread wide and far. So back on the road she will go with each us. Godspeed Ardys.
Lisa Hatch & Ardys Kellerman RA Rally in VT 2010

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