Glenda L Kelpin

Glenda Lee Kelpin of Downey, California passed away on August 19, 2025 at 8:02am. After suffering a major stroke on August 1, 2024, Glenda struggled with a series of additional health complications and on August 10th of this year Glenda fell while at home, shattering her femur. While recovering from surgery in a skilled nursing facility Glenda woke up, took her morning medication, and then slipped back into peaceful slumber, passing into the arms of our loving savior, Jesus Christ.

Glenda was born on June 16,1946 to Glen and Violet Dayhoff in Downey, California. She had one older brother, Lon Dayhoff. She married Jerry Kelpin in 1968 and had two children, Michele and Kimberley.

After graduating from Downey high school in 1964, Glenda worked for the county of Los Angeles as an administrative assistant. Following the birth of her first child, she stayed at home with her daughters for 16 years. Following the death of her husband in 1989, Glenda returned to work serving as an administrative assistant for the Downey Unified School District.

Glenda retired in 2010 and spent her retirement years traveling with her best friend, Cheryl Hallam and her sister-in-law Liz Dayhoff. Glenda was able to see many places but always spoke fondly of her trip to Europe where she was able to spend her 72nd birthday in Paris, France in front of the Eiffel Tower—a life long dream of hers. Glenda also enjoyed golf,dining out, and, of course, watching the Food Network. She was an avid reader but her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, Ben and Isabelle—watching Ben play baseball and water polo and watching Isabelle dance and perform. Glenda was also a faithful member and regular attender of 1st Presbyterian Church of Downey where she served a short term as a deacon.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Violet Dayhoff, her husband Jerry Kelpin, and her brother Lon Dayhoff.

She is survived by her children, Michele Kelpin and Kimberley Dorantes, her grandchildren, Benjamin and Isabelle Dorantes, and her nieces Laurie Wharton and Lonna Ball.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at 1st Presbyterian Church of Downey, 10544 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241. Following the service, family and friends are invited to stay for reception at the church. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.