Tributes

Jean Kelley, age 83 of Cedar Lake, Indiana went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 12, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Rex Kelley; children, Kevin (Sheri) Kelley and Teresa (David) Nirtaut; grandchildren, Stephanie (Kevin) Jones, Grant (Brittany) Kelley, Kirsten (Josh) Wachowski, Alec (Samantha) Nirtaut and Brianna (Isaak Hunckler, Fiancé) Nirtaut; great grandchildren, Emersyn, Finley, and Karter Jones, Cormick, Maverick, and Hendrick Kelley, Bennett Wachowski, and Calum and Beckett Nirtaut. Preceded in death by parents, Myron and Nellie Mae Perry and brothers, Myron Perry Jr., and Darrel Perry. Jean loved to read (especially the words of Jesus), do word searches and crosswords, and play cards. She also loved the ocean, spending time with her family, and watching most sports. She was a devoted wife that adored caring for her husband, Rex, and the most loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. There was not a moment Jean did not think about others or her family. She loved Jesus with all her heart, and it showed in her everyday actions. Jean was also a long time, active member of Lake Hills Baptist Church where she enjoyed attending church services every Sunday. Anyone that knew Jean was blessed by her presence and the example that she showed to everyone with her relationship with Rex. Once you were in Jean’s life, you were in it forever and she made sure that you knew it. Although her memory was short near the end, she always remembered the smallest details about everybody’s life and made sure she sent personalized anniversary, holiday, and birthday cards all year round. Jean’s family is the greatest treasure, joy, and achievement of her love-fulfilled life. When Jean was in eighth grade, she met Rex at an outdoor theater, and they had been inseparable ever since. Their life together started in Brashear (Missouri) and continued in Literberry (Illinois), Massillon (Ohio), Crown Point (Indiana), and finally Cedar Lake (Indiana). During her lifetime, Jean was a bookkeeper at the JW Johnson Grain Elevator in Literberry, Illinois and she was a bookkeeper for the Morgan County Department of Agriculture in Jacksonville, Illinois. She was also a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant and playroom attendant at Omni Health and Fitness Center in Schererville, Indiana. Jean’s joy and passion for life shined through everybody around her and she felt God’s presence the most when gathering with her loved ones and when sharing quiet moments at the ocean. Although she did not get to go to the ocean very often, when she did, she was able to sit for hours and feel the presence of God. Jean was passionate, funny, strong, determined, joyful, and dedicated until the very end. Even when she was in pain, she would never let it show because that is how selfless she was. She will be greatly missed by the surviving members of her family and those that had the pleasure of knowing and loving her. One day, her family will reunite with her in Heaven, but in the meantime, another round of cards will be played, and another family meal will be shared with a spot saved for Jean. Her memory will live on forever and she will never be forgotten. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 18th, 2024, at 11:00 am at Memory Lane Funeral Home 6305 W. Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, Indiana. Pastor Jacobs Riggs will be officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again on Friday morning from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. In honor of Jean’s wishes and her courageous battle with cancer, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support her grandson and his wife “Brittany Kelley” in her own fight against cancer. Checks should be made payable to Brittany Kelley and mailed to 2902 Mandy Lane, Morehead City, NC 28557. Please see Tribute Wall to see Brittany’s Story.

Tributes

Jean Kelley

June 14, 1941 - October 12, 2024