CLARA WILMA (BECKTOLD) KELLEY

Aug. 19, 1925 - Aug. 30, 2012
HOWARD TWP. - Clara W. Kelley, age 87 years, of Howard Township, Michigan, died at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 30, 2012, at her home following an illness. She was born on August 19, 1925, in Logansport, Indiana, to George and Bertha (Bassler) Becktold.

She graduated from South Bend Adams High School, and had lived in Niles since 1977. She was employed for ten years at the Packaging Corporation of America in South Bend, and operated a concession stand at the Notre Dame Stadium for fifty years. Clara was always working on something, and always knew how to find a good value. She raised flowering plants which she sold at the South Bend Farmers Market, played women's ice hockey, and at age 55 learned to downhill ski, which she pursued with a passion.

She had earned a Private Pilots License, and enjoyed international travel. She was formerly active at the Bethany Lutheran Church in South Bend.

On November 2, 1946, in Mishawaka, Indiana, she married Gaile E. Kelley, with whom she celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on October 29, 2007.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Donald and George Becktold, and by a sister, Josephine Ludington.

Surviving family includes her daughters, Patricia Gaile Kelley of Niles and Peggy Anne Kelley of Orlando, Florida; granddaughter, Leah (& Joseph) Henig; and Clara's brother, Gilbert Becktold of Reno, Nevada.

Shared services for Gaile and Clara Kelley will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Hope Community Church in Niles, with the Rev. Michael Smith of the church officiating. The service will conclude with the Veterans Flag Presentation and "Taps" by the United States Navy Honor Guard. The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the church. Contributions in memory of Clara Kelley may be made to Hospice at Home. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.