Ellen G. Kelly, 103, died on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, where she had been under Hospice care at the Health Center at Standifer Place since April, 2008.
She was a member of the Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church for 40 years, for many years active as a deaconess, and member of the Adventist Retired Workers Club and 55-Plus club.
She was born in Cedar Lake, Mi., but at the age of four, traveled with her family in a covered wagon, first to Missouri, then Arkansas, and a few years later back to Michigan, where she later taught elementary school.
In 1929 she married Richard O. Kelly. They moved frequently between Michigan, Illinois, Georgia, and Tennessee for the next 20 years, especially during the "war years" when Richard was "drafted to defense work." Longer stays in Mount Vernon, Oh., and Berrien Springs, Mi., preceded their retirement near Collegedale in 1969.
In spite of serious health problems much of her life, Ellen was an active homemaker, gardener, and seamstress, continuing these in her daughter's home where she lived after Richard's death in 1985.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Bille and Paul Burdick of Ooltewah; her grandsons, Rich Burdick of Montrose, Co., and Gary Burdick of Berrien Springs, Mi., and their families; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, at Heritage Chapel with visitation preceding. She will be buried beside Richard in Tower, Mi.
In honor of her life-long commitment to children's education, memorial contributions may be sent to the Middle School Building Fund at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist church.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to view the memorial tribute and share condolences.
The family will receive friends on Friday, from 5-7 p.m.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7454 E. Brainerd.