Eleanor Louise Kelly

Eleanor Louise Kelly (Witczak), age 95, of Wyoming, went to be with her Lord on Friday, June 27, 2025.  Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Ellie was one of 12 children.  She met the love of her life, Bernie, roller skating at Ramona Park.  She managed several Bill Knapps restaurants in Grand Rapids for her career, where she made lifelong friends.  She also enlisted many of her children to work with her at the restaurant. She was a longtime member of St. John Vianney Church and her faith was of utmost importance to her.  She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, throwing out the first pitch for a game on her 80th birthday.  She loved bowling, especially on a team with her brothers for many years, and even going to state tournaments.   She also enjoyed playing cards, golfing (with a hole in one), bingo, ice and roller skating in her earlier years.  She wintered 37 years at Lincoln Arms Home Park in Bradenton, Florida.  She loved to watch all the activities of the grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by   her husband, Bernard Kelly; Daughter-in-law, Paula Kelly; grandson, Kurtis Kelly; brothers: Frank Jr,  Ray, Don, Alger, Wally, and Bob Witczak; sisters, Winifred Esterley, Dorothy DeKraker. Ellie will be lovingly remembered by her children: Mike (Peggy) Kelly, Gail Kelly-DeGennaro, Deb (Gary) Wojczynski, Mary Kelly; Terry (Patty) Kelly, Tim Kelly; grandchildren: Kori DeGennaro, Stacy (Chris) Schultetus, Shari Wojczynski, Jodi Kelly, Katie (Blake) Angove, Matthew (Lyndsey) Kelly, Brian (Amanda) Wojczynski, Stephanie Kelly, Michael (Erika) Kelly, Jordan Hindenach; 18 great grandchildren; sisters: Shirley Krajewski, Bea Schaap; brother-in-law, Robert Gedritis; life-long friend of 70 years, Dory Smith; many nieces and nephews.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW,  Wyoming, with Rev. John Vallier officiating.  A private burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Sunday from 4:30 - 7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave. SW,  Wyoming with a rosary will be held at 7 p.m.  A visitation will also be held Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the church.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the Kidney Foundation or the American Cancer Society or the St. John Vianney Foundation.  The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the caring staff of Faith Hospice for their loving care of Eleanor.