Beverly Lorain Kelly

Beverly Lorain Kelly, 84, a long time resident of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2013.

Beverly was born on Saturday, May 18, 1929 to the late Murray and Grace (Simmons) Counterman in Jackson. A devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, artist, caregiver and cook. She lived for her family and loved ones. She impacted many with her wisdom, honesty, determination and spunk and will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved.

A member of First Christian Church, Beverly had been a former member of the Bellaire United Methodist Church where she had served as Sunday School Superintendent. She was a former member of the Burt Lake Christian Church where she had been active in the choir and the ladies group. A very talented artist, (oil, sketches, watercolors) she had served as a boardmember of the Northwestern Michigan Artist and Craftsman organization, taught oil painting at DeYoungs in Traverse City,and she also taught 4-H sewing in Cheboygan County when she lived in that area. She dedicated her life to raising her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Brian (Vickie) Kelly of Gwinn, Keith (Judy) Kelly of Fife Lake, Mauricia Sue Kelly of Cedar, Ken (Diana) Kelly of Bellaire, Kathy (Steve) Lovett of Maumee, OH, eight grandchildren five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Lawrence and Murray Counterman, two sisters, Joyce Haley and Josephine Friede, son in law Robert Schmeltzer and one great granddaughter.

Visitation for Beverly will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, May 31 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 4 p.m. Pastor Evan Williams will officiate and burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

For a more lasting memorial please consider the Grand Traverse Area Commission on Aging, 520 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684 or online at www.gtcoa@grandtraverse.org " title="Click to open in a new window or tab" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> www.gtcoa@grandtraverse.org .