Patricia A. Forton ) Kelley

People who knew Patricia Kelley found it easy to describe her. Words like selfless, giving, gentle, trustworthy, loving and faithful come to mind in a moment. She loved her family, her church and her Lord, faithfully serving in whatever way she could. Devoted to both family and faith, Pat spent her life working tirelessly both inside and outside the home, but was always able to enjoy the simple beauties in life. The world was not a very safe place the year that Pat was born. World War II showed little signs of abatement as more and more U.S. troops shipped out for the European continent. At the same time, thousands of women stood united and labored to keep domestic industries running full steam. It was a time of unity, patriotism and hope. Patricia began her life on June 13, 1941, in the town of Muskegon, Michigan, the only daughter of three children born to Robert and Zora (Dunn) Forton. She grew up in Muskegon and spent her entire life in the town. Her family was devout Catholics and faithful members of St. Marys Catholic Church. Pats father, Robert, was a coach for womens baseball, and this passion carried over to Pat, who played baseball and basketball in school. She was also musically inclined, playing the accordion and piano, and she started playing the drums and bells in the 8th grade for the school band until graduating. Pat had a lifelong love for the water, which started as a youngster. Whenever her family visited Mona Lake, she and her brother, Richard, spent much of their time water skiing and having lots of fun! Pat was a sophomore in high school when she met Marshall Kelley, a junior. Both were members of the school band Marshall played tenor saxophone. It was said it was love at first sight for the two and it wasnt long before they were on their first date, ice-skating at the Muskegon Heights tennis courts. Pat and Marshall became high school sweethearts and enjoyed spending time together taking long walks on snowy nights around Muskegon Heights. After Marshall graduated from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Meanwhile, Pat completed her education and graduated with honors from Muskegon Heights High School in 1959. Soon after, Marshall returned home on furlough and married his sweetheart, Pat, on June 22, 1959, in the parsonage of the Christ Temple Apostolic Church. While Marshall finished up his tour of duty, Pat lived with his parents until his return. Once home, the couple made their first home together in an upper apartment on Muskegon Avenue and it was here they welcomed the births of their three daughters: Michelle (1960), Tammy (1961) and Leisha (1962). In June 1969, Marshall and Pat bought their first home at 2019 Baker Street, where they completed their family with the birth of their son, Marshall II, in 1973. To provide for their growing family, Marshall worked at the Campbell, Wyant and Cannon Foundry in Roosevelt Park, while Pat worked for Dr. Obie Herald, DDS for a while and then at Howmet Corp. Marshall later went back to school to get his degree and too a job with Kaydon Corp. At the end of a busy work week, the Kelleys enjoyed heading out to the A Root Beer on Airline Road for root beer floats on Friday nights for some family time. Pat was a wonderful mother, full of love and devotion for her children. She was never stingy with her hugs and never missed an opportunity to tell them I love you. When it came to discipline, however, Pat was known to say, Wait till your father gets home! The couples first two daughters, Michelle and Tammy, were both born with special needs, and Pat made sure they were always well cared for and most importantly, that they knew they were loved. Later, when Pat became a secretary at Wesley School in the Muskegon Intermediate School District, she found a special place in her heart for many of these children too. She truly loved this job, but after 29 years with the school, Pat retired in 2002. Life was good for Pat and Marshall, but it got even brighter when they were blessed with three beautiful grandchildren: Ashley, Mason and Ian. They were truly the apples of Pat and Marshalls eye and they enjoyed every moment they would spend with them. Aside from spoiling her grandchildren, Pat enjoyed putting her green thumb to good use around the house and in her flower gardens. She continued to enjoy her love of water and she and Marshall often went out on their boat named Tranquility. In her quieter moments, Pat liked to read and was always writing out birthday, anniversary and holiday cards or just a note of warm thoughts to her family and friends to let them know she was thinking of them. Pat was a woman of great faith her entire life. She and Marshall were longtime members of Christ Temple Apostolic Church and instilled their religious values into their children, which is today still a strong family bond. In 2001, Pat was diagnosed with cancer and after undergoing chemotherapy treatments her cancer went into remission. However, in June 2008, her health quickly began to weaken and she went to be with her Lord on Saturday, July 5, 2008. A loving wife and mother with a passion for her grandchildren, Pat was an extraordinary woman. She was the kindest, most caring person who put her heart and soul into everything she did. Pat was a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth. She will be deeply missed. Pat is survived by her husband, Marshall; 1 son, Marshall II (Leslie) Kelley of S.A.F.B., IL; 3 daughters: Michelle Kelley of Muskegon, Tammy Kelley of Fruitport & Leisha Ann Kelley of Muskegon; 3 grandchildren: Ashley, Mason 2 brothers: Earl (Donna) Forton of Muskegon & Richard (Lillian) Forton of Muskegon; mother-in-law, Rosemary Kelley of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Temple Apostolic Church with Bishop Willie Burrel officiating. Interment will be at Mona View Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with Pats family on Wednesday, July 9, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon. Please visit Pats personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book.