Caitlyn Jacob Kelly of Hopkins died Saturday, May 18. Born Jan. 9, 2007, she was 17 years old.
She was a girl who mastered the art of flirting with boys and loved to swim in the family pool – her own slice of the ocean where she was as free as Ariel herself. She was a regular at Hillside Learning Center in Allegan where she would make many faithful friends over the years. What Caitlyn left behind is a repertoire of memories filled with kindness, friendly banter, and a gentleness that could calm even the most villainous of Disney antagonists.
In a life that wasn’t nearly long enough, our spirited leading lady taught us to cherish each scene, to seize the day with both hands, and to leave them laughing as the credits roll. While the grand stage has dimmed with Caitlyn’s passing, her legacy is an encore that will resonate for eternity, reminding us that amidst the bubbles and movie sing-alongs, a heartwarming adventure awaits all those who are brave enough to follow their own script.
Caitlyn is survived by a band of characters including her parents Gina (Miller) and Jason Kleeves; birth Father Terrence II Kelly; Siblings Terrence Kelly III, Hailey “Moe” Hazen, Emarae “Bob” Hazen, and Lucas “Bubby” Getzinger; Aunts Sarah Kelly, Amanda Fitzpatrick and Crystal Fitzpatrick; Grandparents Nana Cindi Meendering, Cathy and Terrence Kelly, Ray and Lorrette Kleeves, and Denise Hightower.
Preceded in her passing were her Uncle Jacob Hazen, Aunt Jennene Kelly and Grandpa Kieth “Grumpa” Fitzpatrick.
Caitlyn’s visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 23, at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. Her funeral will start at noon, officiated by Pastor Ronnie Ewing. Cremation will take place after her funeral.
A private graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery.