Elaine Kelly

Elaine (Miller) Kelly passed from this world to life eternal on May 24, 2021.  Elaine is survived by her children Paul (Beth) Kelly, Karen (Mike Horjus) Markward, Mark Kelly, Paul Bareno, and her grandchildren Sean (Kim) Kelly, Emily (Steve) Amato, Brian Kelly, Elise (Kelly) Shaheen, Austin (Leah) Markward, Drew Bareno, Nate Bareno, and her great grandchildren Rowan Amato and Sage Shaheen.  Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary, and daughter, Jennifer Bareno.  

Elaine was born in Grand Rapids, and except for a short stint when Gary was in the military, lived here all her life.  She met Gary in high school and the two became an inseparable pair, sharing their love for fishing, snowmobiling, and countless card games.  Elaine attended Michigan State University and became an avid fan, cheering her beloved Spartans any time she could.  She majored in home economics at MSU and taught high school briefly before focusing her skills and talents on creating a beautiful home for her family. 

Elaine was quick to share her talents in her community.  She was a member of the Kent Garden Club, Women’s City Club, and Park Church’s Women’s Fellowship.  Elaine was a good seamstress and gardener, and she was a GREAT cook whose food contributions to the potlucks and parties were always one of the first to disappear.  

Elaine was also called to care for others and became an integral part of Park Church’s Stephens Ministries, and later its’ pastoral care team.  She spent countless hours volunteering at Pilgrim Manor, and later Covenant Village, which she called home for the last 10 years.  A flowering tree stands in Park Church’s garden in honor of Elaine’s care for the church and its’ members. 

Funeral services for Elaine will be held at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Services, 4291 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 on Tuesday, June 1 at 3:00 pm; visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 that same day.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Park Congregational Church, Attn:  PCW-Kelly.  

Elaine’s enormous talents, generous contributions and selfless spirit will be missed by all who knew her, served alongside her, and loved her. 

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