Ruth Elaine Kelly

Ruth “Elaine” Kelly, 97, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Glen Eagle Independent Living with her 3 children by her side and Hospice care. Elaine always had a joke to tell, a smile to give and a hug to share! Elaine was born June 26, 1921 to Benjamin L. and Mary A. (Berryman) Parker in Port Huron, MI. She graduated from Port Huron High School. She married William A. Kelly on February 11, 1945 in Port Huron. Elaine volunteered at the Mercy Hospital gift shop for many years. She loved to volunteer and was quick to give the gift of her time to those in a time of need. A stranger was always a friend she never met. She was a scout leader for her daughter Mary Jo’s Girl Scout troop and became the Vice-President of the St. Clair County Girl Scout organization. Songs were very special to her throughout her life. When her husband, “Bill,” died on July 25th 1972, she wrote a song that gave her strength and comfort. She titled the song “My song from God”. She went to work at North American Benefit Association in Port Huron, after her husband died and worked there until retiring in 1986. After living in Marysville for 65 years she moved to Glen Eagle in Traverse City in 2014. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. Elaine is survived by her three children Hon. Daniel John (Mary) Kelly, of Ft. Gratiot; Mary Jo Anne (Dennis) Schmude and David Parker Kelly, of Traverse City. Grandchildren: William “Bill” (Holly) Schmude; Paul (Sarah) Schmude; Josephine “Josie” (Andrew) Caldwell; Deirdre Kelly and Kirsten Kelly. Great grandchildren: Amberley, Marissa, Parker, Charlie, Ben, Eli, and Melina Schmude; Simon, Oliver, and Gloriana Caldwell; and Ethan Kelly. And many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her family was her “pride and joy”. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a sister Virginia Pickard and brother Ben Parker. Private family services were officiated by Fr. Kenneth Stachnik, Deacon Rene Hoenscheid and with music by Fred Szczepanski at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Port Huron, MI with Fr. Tom Kuehemund officiating. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to direct contributions to the St. Francis Catholic Church Capital Building Campaign, 1025 South Union Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. She always left smiling and saying “Have a nice day and a laugh or two along the way.” She will be missed by not only her family but so many others including her many friends in Port Huron Area and at Glen Eagle.

Ruth Elaine Kelly

June 26, 1921 - July 28, 2018