Ruth Kelley, 88

Ella Ruth Kelley, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Centreville.

She was born May 18, 1924, in LaGrange, Ind., a daughter of the late Willis and Minnie (Wierich) Stahl.

Ruth resided in the LaGrange and Sturgis area nearly her whole life and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1942.

For many years she owned and operated Ruth’s Beauty Shop in Sturgis. She also had been employed by Harvey Paper Company and Freeman Manufacturing, both in Sturgis.

Ruth was a devoted mother and grandmother, truly cherishing time she spent with her family.

She is survived by two sons, David (Mary) Kelley of Burr Oak and Darryle Kelley of Sturgis; five grandchildren, Susan (Eric) Hansen of Sturgis, Michael (Jessica) Kelley of Marcellus, Kristi (David) McCallister of Vermont, Darcy Kelley of Sturgis and Steven Kelley of Sturgis; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Otis Stahl of Sturgis and Ernest Stahl of Goshen, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Rebecca Pappas.

In accordance with family wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of the ashes will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sturgis Memorial Gardens in Sturgis. Pastor Robert Keim will officiate.

Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ruth’s memory consider First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.

Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfunealhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.