Sharon Lynn (Sipple) Kelly, 76, of Portage, a 1959 graduate of Martin High School, and formerly of Gobles, died Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
Born April 4, 1941, in Grand Rapids, she was the daughter of the late Henry Deforrest Sipple and the late Ruth Irene (Pitcher) Sipple Walton Bishop. Mrs. Kelly was also preceded in death by her precious step-fathers, Raymond F. Walton and Al Bishop.
She married Roger Daniel Kelly on June 27, 1959. He was the love of her life and together they shared 50 happy years of marriage prior to his passing in 2009. Mrs. Kelly was a homemaker and helped Roger on their farm. Farming was a way of life for the Kelly family.
All of the children participated in 4-H projects and showed their animals at the fair. Mrs. Kelly was always actively involved in their activities. When she wasn’t tending to her family or the farm, she loved music, cooking, baking and reading. Above all, though, she loved her family, friends and, especially, her grandchildren – they were joy to her.
She is survived by her three children, Debra Sue Kelly and husband Brian Farris, Daniel Kelly and wife Mary and David Kelly and wife Tracy; her grandchildren, Daniel Tyler (Haley), Kandice Ann (Kyle Jordan), Andre John, Wesley Raymond, Zacharie Bryce and Rachel Lauren; sister, Joyce Suhusky and husband Frank; brother, Jack Sipple and wife Marilyn; sister-in-law, Delores Kelly; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, step-fathers and husband, Mrs. Kelly was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Wayne and Maude Kelly; brother-in-law, Franklin Kelly; and sister- and brother-in-law, Virginia and Jerry Petroshus.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 48823; or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, 6955 West KL Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
