EDNA VIVIAN KELLEY
Edna Vivian Kelley (Whipple), 81, formerly of Alpena, Mich., passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017, in Goodlettsville, Tenn.
Edna was born to the late Herman Whipple and Vivian Corey on June 2, 1935, in Sterling, Mich., and lived in the Twining area throughout her childhood. Edna graduated from Arenac Eastern High School in 1953.
Following her marriage to Donald Kelley in 1954, Edna resided in Prescott, Mich., for several years. She then moved to Alpena where she lived for more than 30 years. Edna was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church for several years and also served on the altar guild. In 2004, Edna relocated to Tennessee to enjoy the warner winters.
Edna was an expert seamstress and excelled at all crafting activities. She also had a great love of the outdoors including camping, fishing and maintaining beautiful gardens. Her three cats were her “babies” and she cared for them dearly. She would be greatly comforted to know they will all be adopted into loving families.
Edna is survived by four children, James (Pattie) Kelley of Alpena, Robert (Tina) Kelley of Birch Run, Michelle (Tom) Kelley of Sand Lake and Tami (Rusty) Smith of West Branch. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Herman (Butch) and William (Bill) Whipple and by her stepfather, Gerald Corey. Edna suffered a great loss with the passing of her infant son, Richard Allen, and her grandson, Douglas Robert.
A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alpena, Mich., on Saturday June 3, 2017, at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.