Mary Ann Kelly

Through the life of Mary Ann Kelly we learn that building wealth according to the worlds measure is of little value, but that true reward is found in touching the hearts and lives of those around us. She was a woman of faith whose life exemplifies what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Mary Ann defined what it means to be gracious and hospitable as her home was always open to everyone around her in need of a meal, a listening ear, or a tender touch. It seemed as though being a mother was a role that was tailor made just for Mary as she skillfully perfected the dance between being firm and having good, old fashioned fun as well. The legacy of humility, compassion, and unconditional love she leaves behind will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow her. The 1930s were some of the darkest days our nation has ever seen due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Not only did the unemployment rate soar above 25 percent, but a debilitating drought in our nations heartland put added strain on an already crippled agricultural industry. Despite the harsh conditions around her, Georgia Zellar was delighted to announce the birth of her baby girl on March 22, 1935. Mary Ann was the youngest of 9 children in her family, and she was raised in the family home on the corner of Third and Park Street in Fruitport alongside her siblings, Ethel, Walter " Mike", Claire " Spike", Ina, Pearl, Ole, Russell, and Helen. Her mother took in laundry, washed dishes, or did whatever she needed to in order to make ends meet. As a young girl Mary Ann experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. She enjoyed things like playing outside with other neighborhood children, playing jacks and hopscotch, splashing around in the local swimming hole, playing softball in a nearby empty lot, and walking her dog, Newfee. Mary shared special friendships with Bobbie Lou Rollenhagen, Carolyn Barnhard, Thelma Bates, and Patsy Cook with whom she remained friends for the rest of her life. She attended Fruitport schools, and during high school she taught roller skating at the Fruitport Roller Rink. Life was forever changed for Mary Ann when she married her high school sweetheart, James Kelly on July 30, 1954. Like a page torn for a romance novel, they had known each other since the first grade when he used to pull on her pigtails. Their relationship blossomed into something more, and by the time they were in high school they were deeply in love. Together Mary Ann and Jim welcomed their daughter, Debra, in 1956. She was followed by James in 1961, Tracy in 1970, and Steven in 1972. Mary and Jim raised their children in Fruitport in a home on Brooks Road along the highway. The Kelly home was always a bustle of activity, and Mary was a firm but nurturing mother who never shied away from taking disciplinary action into her own hands rather than waiting for her husband to get home. She also managed to take everything in stride and has been quoted as saying, Around here, things are subject to change at a moments notice, and they usually do! Mary Ann diligently tended to the household duties and was always doing something as she often set out to help someone in need at a moments notice. There were family traditions such as night swims, pool parties, legendary Memorial Day breakfasts, homemade ice cream, and autumn corn roasts. Mary Anns husband often came home from work and asked what she did with the kids all day, to which she replied, We played, with a twinkling smile. She was an amazing seamstress, cake decorator, and cook, and who could forget her infamous was gonna pie that she often told her husband she made for dessert, much to his disappointment. Mary was at every school and sporting event her children were involved in whether near or far, and she was always their number one fan. Mary and Jim were continually having fun with their children. They camped in Mackinac City every year for Labor Day Weekend beginning in 1968 when they took part in the annual bridge walk There was also listening to Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights, playing Bump Off, You Blew It, and Help Your Neighbor in addition to any other game they came across. Their home has been called the neighborhood playground, but that suited Mary just fine! The Kellys also had fun-filled trips to New England and following Jimmy's college baseball training in the South. In addition to her family, Marys faith played a vital role in her life. She and Jim were charter members of First Congregational Church in Fruitport where she remained actively involved in many ways throughout her life. For many years Mary Ann was the head of their kitchen, which then made her in charge of their bazaar luncheons, and funeral luncheons. She was also part of the ladies fellowship there for many years. Throughout her journey Marys life was enriched in so many ways. In addition to her childhood friend, Pat, she also shared special friendships with Bill and Gwen Snider, and also with L.J. and Minnie Knuppenberg. Mary Ann kept busy gardening, baking, cooking, and sewing as she was known to be able to sew or repair anything. She made it a priority to support her husband in his construction business in any way she could, and nothing topped spending time with her grandchildren later in life. She took care of them whenever she could and was just a bit partial to caring for babies. As they grew older Mary Ann also loved playing with her grandchildren and attended their various events just as she had with her own children. With a special place in her heart for animals, she treasured the companionship of her many dogs including her childhood dog, Newfee, in addition to Buttons, Piper, Toby, and Shadow. She also deeply loved their cat, Smokey, and their pony, Trigger. Mary collected memorabilia of covered bridges including photos, prints, and figurines, too. The list of things to love about Mary Ann Kelly is extensive as she was one of the most extraordinary women around. She was kindhearted and nurturing with just the right amount of German bull-headedness mixed in at times. Marys door was always open and made whatever was hers available to others as well. A true gift in the lives of all within her reach, she will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Mrs. Mary A. Kelly, age 77, died Thursday, June 14, 2012. She is survived by her children, Debra (James) Jantz of Muskegon, James "Jim" (Julie) Kelly of Grand Haven, Tracy (Adam) Schofield of North Muskegon & Steven (Amy) Kelly of Muskegon; grandchildren, Holly & Sarah Jantz, Phillip, Jessica, Garrett & Jared Kelly, Brighton, Payton & Copeland Schofield, Blake, Corbin, Madelynn, Hannah & Xavier Kelly; sisters, Pearl Waller, Elma "Ole" (George) Ferguson & Helen Howe; brothers-in-law, Russell "Brownie" (Beverly) Kelly, R. William (NorAnn) Kelly & Charles (Sue) Kelly; many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Kelly in 2005 & siblings, Ethel Melton, Walter "Mike" Zellar, Claire "Spike" Zellar, Ina Murphy & Russell Zellar. Funeral services will be on Friday, June 22, 2012, 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church of Fruitport with Rev. Ronald DePung & Rev. Michael Scott officiating. VISITATION: Thursday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM & Friday 1hour prior to the service at First Congregational Church of Fruitport. MEMORIAL: Alzheimer's Association or Ladies Fellowship of First Congregational Church of Fruitport. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon