Elva Rose Anne (Cooper) Kelley

Elva Rose Ann (Cooper) Kelley, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Mission Point of Greenville. She was born on August 3, 1936, in Stanton, Michigan, the daughter of Roy H. and Helena “Kitty” L. (Larsen) Cooper. On V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of World War II), Elva and her family moved to Greenville, where she would attend school and reside for the rest of her life. As a teenager, Elva babysat and worked various jobs, including at McLellan’s Dimestore and the Greenville Hospital. At the age of 19, she married her high school sweetheart, Lavern “Pete” Kelley, on August 6, 1955. Together they raised two sons, Brian and Michael, who were the light of her life. Elva also had a special place in her heart for her 2 foster children, Richie Rachell, and Henry Glover. While her children were in school, Elva was a devoted homemaker. She cherished family picnics and enjoyed coffee with the neighbor ladies in the close-knit Grove Street neighborhood, where families supported and grew alongside one another. Elva’s creativity and love for family were evident in her hobbies, which included cooking, menu planning, painting, ceramics, and making arts and crafts with her grandchildren. She took great pride and joy in preparing meals for friends and family, and always making those around her feel welcome and cared for. After her sons joined the Navy, Elva began working as a cook at Christensen’s Nursing Home, a position she held for 10 years. Her dedication to helping others extended beyond her home and work, as she became an active volunteer with the Greenville VFW 3794 Ladies Auxiliary. Elva played a key role in organizing public dinners, where she showcased her cooking skills, and also served in various leadership positions, including Vice President. The friendships she formed with her auxiliary sisters were a cherished part of her life. During the mid 80’s her husband suffered a debilitating accident and Elva became his devoted caregiver for many years until his passing in 2007, demonstrating unwavering love and strength throughout that time. Elva was known for her quick wit, her kind heart, and dedication to her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her and was a very important part of her grandchildren's lives. She is survived by her sister Barb Ladermann of Greenville; brother and sister in law Floyd (Mary) Cooper of Sidney; daughter in law Lynn Kelley DeBoer (Nick) of Grand Rapids and Angela Kelley of FL; grandchildren Jennifer (Lee) Iteen of Greenville, Jonathan (Laura) Kelley of Trufant, Luke (Holly) Kelley of Midland, Megan Verstraete of Choma Zambia, Africa; great grandchildren Chelsea (Sean) Brandli, Gabriel Kelley II, Chantel Roberts, Peter, Laila, Ashlyn and Brian Kelley; great great grandchildren Willow and Lilly Brandli; and many nieces and nephews. Elva is preceded in death by her parents, husband Pete, sons Brian Kelley and Michael Kelley, sister Dorthy Irish, Doris Merritt and Grace (Leonard) Manley, brother in law Robert Ladermann and grandson Gabriel Kelley. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 4th at the First Congregational Church of Greenville with Pastor Ed Milan officiating, starting at 11am with a luncheon directly following. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10am. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com, where you can view the complete obituary and leave a message of condolence for the family.