Wanita Kelly
Wanita Kelly, age 94 of Bellevue, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 15, 2025 at her home in Bellevue surrounded by her children.
Wanita was born in Battle Creek on October 2, 1930, the oldest daughter of the late Donald and Lucille Watson. She spent her early childhood years in the Delton area where she attended local schools. Eventually, her family relocated to the Bellevue area where she finished her education.
On January 17, 1953, she married Vant Kelly of Bellevue. The couple made their home together on their dairy farm on Hall Road where they raised their family together. Wanita milked cows for over 25 years for a living, while Vant worked at Kellogg’s. They were married until his premature death in 1980.
Wanita had an unwavering work ethic, which she instilled in her children. While the children were growing up, Wanita enlisted their help in every aspect of farming. Wanita was an amazing cook and was known for her pies! During the holidays she would make each family members favorite pie to enjoy with their meal, as well as an “extra” pie for them to take home. Her talent extended beyond family gatherings; her pies were also in demand at local restaurants. Wanita actively farmed until moving into town in 1978.
Wanita was a woman of simple Christian faith who loved talking to her children and grandchildren about Jesus. She would often tell them to not worry about her if she died, because she would be with Jesus. She was a loving wife and mother of eight, grandmother of twenty-three, great-grandmother of forty-eight, and a great-great grandmother of nine. She was known to everyone as “Granny.” Anyone that knew her, knew her unconditional and endless love for her children and grandchildren. After raising eight children, she went on to babysitting for the grandchildren as they started arriving. She would watch one or ten at a time and was not concerned because she just loved being surrounded by her grandbabies. She would always say, the more the merrier. Her family was everything to her right up to the day she was called home. Her next love would be for her cows. When she decided to retire in 1978, she never stopped longing for the joy and love she felt whenever she was in the presence of her cows. Granny has left a legacy not only to her family but to the community of Bellevue. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her children can all attest that she was the most giving, caring, and selfless mother anyone could ask for.
She is survived by her children, Marsha (Stan) Bryner of Bellevue, Brenda (Ron) Cortright of Olivet, Bruce Kelly (Barb Powell) of Bellevue, June (Ken) Scharrer of Battle Creek, Jan (Darcie) Kelly of Hastings, Nancy (Jim) Steele of Bellevue, Vicki (Dave) Madry of Bellevue, Beverly (Mark) Wilkey Battle Creek; brothers, Robert Watson and Alvin (Becky) Woodard. Let us not forget Granny’s favorite son, Lisandro (Orfa) Palma of Santigo, Chile. Special mention to an honorary brother, Marty Lesher. Marty held a special place in Granny’s heart.
Wanita was preceded in death by her husband, Vant Kelly and sisters, Lola Greenfield and Marilyn Brauer.
A special thank you to Pastor Don Francis for his countless visits with Granny. It was a joy for all of us to see that his presence always brought a big smile to her face and she was delighted in telling everyone about his visits. He always prayed with her and even included her special kitty, Pete, in his prayers because he knew how important he was to her. On occasion he wore his kitty jacket and tie to make her smile. His love, care and support for her and our family were greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Gentiva Hospice Care and her nurse Chrissy and Loving Hands Home Care and their caregivers, Becky, Cindy, Heather, Jordan, and Makenna. A special thanks to a longtime caregiver and friend of the family Lisa.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bellevue First Baptist Church with Pastor Don Francis officiating. The family will receive visitors, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 for one hour prior to the funeral service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Bellevue First Baptist Church.
Guests are invited to remain at the church for a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the funeral service.
Following the funeral luncheon, Wanita with will be escorted in a horse drawn buckboard by her entire family to Riverside Cemetery – Bellevue.
Everyone is welcome to join in the procession.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.