Kelly Lee Green, age 61, of Suttons Bay, passed away after a heart complication on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Kelly was a loving wife, mother, and friend to everyone she met. She radiated positivity, and had a spirit that lit up every room like human sunshine. Kelly was the most selfless person in our world, literally (on multiple occasions) offering others the shirt off her own back…which may have just been an excuse to buy a new one. Kelly was the friend that made us laugh until we cried, made even the most mundane things fun, and gave hugs that simply made all the darkness in the world fade away for a moment. She loved her people- and pets- beyond measure, and made everyone feel completely seen, heard, and special. The truth is, there is simply no way to ever verbalize what Kelly meant to everyone.

Kelly and Mike were best friends for 40 years. They met through the local cycling and skiing communities. They shared a love for their many precious animals, the simple joys of riding their bikes together, long hikes along Lake Michigan, and the beauty of Leelanau County. But their biggest pride and joy has always been their daughter, and Kelly's very best friend, Alison.

Kelly was Alison's number one fan. She loved making her laugh, pushing her to try new things, and always trying to convince her to love all the same things she did. Kelly reminded Alison every day (and afternoon, and night) how much she loved her. Kelly and Mike especially enjoyed all the years of watching Alison play hockey, traveling across multiple states, with Kelly always making her presence known in the bleachers.

Kelly was an avid cyclist, runner, cross-country skier, swimmer, rock hound, hiker, and the absolute best shopper around. While she enjoyed the challenge of athletics, she enjoyed the community even more. There wasn’t a podium she didn’t want to stand on. Kelly was proud to have completed 19 Iceman races, actively training for #20. She especially looked forward to those after parties. Kelly was the definition of a social butterfly. Whether it be dinner out at a favorite local restaurant, making new memories with her people, or meeting new best friends. Kelly's love for music was unmatched, she attended too many concerts to count, shouted most every song or artist that played over any speaker, and was always up for karaoke and dancing.

Kelly will be missed by her husband of 35 years, Mike Shrift; daughter, Alison Shrift (Hailee Sullivan); grand dog, Trek; siblings, Rhonda (Mark) Carroll, Bill Green; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Jane (Hargreaves) Green; sister, Julie Slack; infant brother, Robert Green; in-laws, Jim and Barb Shrift; and companion kitty she called Boy Cat.

A Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City.

All are welcome to an after party beginning at 5:00 pm at the Traverse City Civic Center.

In honor of Kelly, we encourage everyone to wear bright colors, and for all that are able to to ride their bike to the events. Please wear a helmet!

Memorial contributions may be given to the Cherryland Humane Society. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

We can only hope to live a little more like Kelly…let’s commit to spreading some sunshine, saying hi to a stranger, signing up for the race, paying it forward, taking the trip, buying the concert tickets, laughing out loud, giving the toast, hugging a little tighter, and always saving the animal crossing the road.

HANDS IN GUYS!