Katherine Kelley

A woman who was always prim and proper, Katherine Kelley was truly beautiful on the inside and out. Thinking of others ahead of herself came naturally to her as her heart beat to lend a helping hand whether in ways great or small. A more dedicated mother would be hard to find as Katherine devoted herself to raising the children she loved more than life itself. With her strong work ethic she made a mark in the community she called home and was well respected by all who knew her. Although we will miss her dearly, the memories we have of Katherine will remain forever near and dear to our hearts.

The decade that is often referred to as the Roaring Twenties was a great time to be an American as the end of WWI found us recognized as a world leader and as a result, people looked to us for what was to come. Business flourished and with advancements around nearly every corner, the cultural fabric of our nation would never be the same. Nestled within this vibrant decade was the year 1926 that boasted of great joy for one young couple from Fowler, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl. Baby Katherine was welcomed into the arms of her parents, Julian and Clara (Dalton) Perrien, on October 20th of that year. She was the oldest of seven children in her family whom her father supported as a farmer while her mother was a busy farmer’s wife. As the oldest child in her family Katherine often helped out with her younger siblings. She attended Maple Rapids Schools and rode in the milk truck to school. Since Katherine always wanted their family home to look nice, she used any extra money she was able to earn here and there to buy decorations to grace their home.

Life was forever changed for Katherine when she met the man with whom she would create the family she treasured. His name was Adrian Huss and after falling in love, they were married at the Grove Bible Church. Not long after they exchanged their vows, Adrian went into the service so Katherine got a job as a telephone operator, which helped fill her time while she waited for her husband’s safe return. When Adrian fulfilled his military duty they moved to a farm at US 27 and M-57 where they farmed. With a desire to own their own farm, Katherine went to work at Fisher Body in order to earn enough money for their down payment. They were then able to purchase a farm on Shepardsville Road, and Katherine went back to work as a telephone operator. From there she began working in a dental office where she trained as a dental lab technician and in so doing, she became the first female dental lab technician in the state. Eventually she was able to open her own dental lab in Ovid.

Although her work was always an important part of Katherine’s life, there was nothing more precious to her than her family. Together she and Adrian raised five children: Linda, Marie, Adrian, Albert, and Delbert. Everything that came out of Katherine’s kitchen was fantastic, and family dinners were always of the utmost importance. As their family grew and their home became too cramped, Katherine went out and got a mortgage in her own name so they could move into a bigger home in town. She was active in the lives of her children and never missed any of their activities. Although her marriage ended in divorce after 25 years, she was forever grateful for the children they shared together.

There were so many things that made Katherine such a memorable woman. She was prim and proper in a classy and polished sort of way - so much so that she even wore a skirt when she mowed the lawn! No outfit was ever complete without nail polish, and she saw to it that everything was always ironed. Katherine was continually looking out for the elderly in the area whether it was to offer them food or assistance in some other way, and her eyes were also open for anyone who needed help. With her superb cooking skills and her spirit of generosity combined, no one ever left her home hungry, and she usually flashed the porch light whenever anyone was leaving. Spending time with family was always a priority and no matter how obscure, they celebrated every holiday with the entire family. As her loved ones can attest, no Halloween was ever complete without Katherine’s popcorn balls.

New and exciting changes were in store for Katherine when she met the father of some of Marie’s friends, and they soon fell in love. His name was Bill Kelley and after a time, they were married. Katherine worked at the township treasurer and continued to enjoy the things she loved. She was an active member of the United Church of Ovid, and she loved gardening and tending to her flowers.

Life was not without times of trial for Katherine, yet she was a resilient woman whose graceful strength was her constant companion. She was deeply saddened with the death of her husband, Bill, and she suffered from dementia for a time as well.

In everything she did Katherine Kelley brought such warmth and beauty to the world around her. She loved others deeply and never tired of working hard to care for people whether her family, her friends, or someone in need. Katherine’s voice on the phone was always a welcome sound, and her devotion to her family was unmatched. She was a proper woman who embraced the philosophy that if you act as good as you look you will never get into trouble. We will miss her hugs, her wonderful cooking, and her words of encouragement, but most of all we will miss her unending love.

Katherine Kelley died on October 5, 2011. Katherine’s family includes her daughters, Linda (Rod) McCreery, Marie (Butch) Mohre; sons, Adrian Huss, Albert Huss; step-children, Arthur (Karen) Kelley, Janet Magsig, Carol (Pete) Darling, sister, Therese Perrien; brother, Edward (Therese) Perrien; 23 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. Katherine was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; Adrian Huss and Arthur Kelley; as well as her sons, Delbert and Baby Huss; grandson, Jacob McCreery; sisters, Donna Weber, Jeannie Thornton; and brothers, Julian Perrien and Lyle Perrien. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2011, at The Houghton Chapel of The Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid, with Pastor Greg Buchner officiating burial at Washington Twp. Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Friday, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice. To learn more about Katherine and view her Life Story film, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/74250. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.