Barbara A. Kelley's Obituary
Barbara A. Wakefield Miller Kelley, age 84, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at her home in Norton Shores. She was born April 30, 1939 in Fremont, MI. She graduated from Fremont High School in 1957. Barb completed her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1961 and went on to teach from 1961 until 1996 at Kent City Community Schools for 36 years. She continued to get her Master’s degree and took classes at University of Michigan, Central Michigan University and Temple University in Pennsylvania and teaching adult education in the area. Barb was always a beacon of goodwill for her family, students and friends. She had a talent for listening and not judging, her hardy laugh as welcoming as a warm embrace. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence in human compassion. Barb is survived by her husband, Richard Kelley; her children, Amy (Greg) Miller Feather, Yvonne Miller Hogan; grandchildren, Chloe Feather and Michael Hogan; step-children, Michael Kelley, Robert (Sheri) Kelley, Pattiann (Brad) Whitemoss, Benjamin (Kimberly) Kelley; grandchildren, Tim Kelley, Jasmine Sterenberg, Camille Rogers, Caleb Kelley, Keegan Kelley, Riley Kelley and 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ray (Margrit) Wakefield, Mary Elizabeth (Michael) Wakefield, William (Mindy) Wakefield; nephews, Andre (Rebecca) Wakefield, Jessica Wakefield, Zachary, Elie, Jack and Hank Wakefield, Matt (Kelsy) Wakefield and Tom Wakefield, Aiden and Leila Wakefield. Spirituality has been very important in Barb’s life and she treasures her dear friends at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Eric Street, Muskegon, MI. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 1, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will take place at Hart Cemetery. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?