Meet Lonnette Kelley
Speaker. Author. Motivator
Lonnette Kelley's love of the Lord inspires her to share her walk of faith through writing, photography, filmmaking, speaking, and encouraging thoughts.
A woman of many accomplishments, Lonnette is passionate about family, hospitality, and bringing joy to others.
Lonnette is the author of Joy in the Heartland, which chronicles her adventures during COVID-19 in words and pictures, and 221 Melsted Place Mountain of Grace, a delightful book that takes readers behind the scenes of her bed and breakfast.
She has also published a cookbook of her favorite recipes entitled My Signature Dish.
Recently, Lonnette released her adaptation of Joy in the Heartland as a documentary.
A woman of many accomplishments
Lonnette Kelley is no stranger to farm life. Over the years, she helped her family work the black dirt fields and harvest their abundant crops until she began her fifty-five-year nursing career. At times, Lonnette’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit tugged for attention, offering opportunities she simply could not refuse.
In addition to Lonnette’s nursing career, she also established and ran a bed and breakfast, where her most celebrated honor came in 1999 when the President of Iceland chose to stay at her establishment, 221 Melsted Place in Mountain, North Dakota.
Inspired to share her faith
While isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lonnette sought purpose and created “The Eyes of God,” a ministry of hope. Led by the Lord, she created simple hand-painted cards featuring wide-eyed animals that could break down barriers of isolation and bring smiles and love to those suffering from loneliness and despair. To date, she has placed over 4,000 cards of hope in the hands of those in need.
To find healing and peace for herself, 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.
Passionate about hospitality
Blessed with a son and daughter, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two sisters, and their families, Lonnette has a passion for hospitality. She is constantly found cooking and gathering family and friends around the dining table, where she lovingly spoils them and gives thanks for each moment they can be together.
Lonnette understands how quickly life can change after losing her son, who is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
