In loving memory of
Mary L. Kelch

• Passed away on April 18, 2022

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Mary L. (Michael) Rose Kelch (79) died at home in Lady Lake, FL after a 9-month battle with cancer. She was born in Rockville, IN to Clarence (Buss) Michael and Ruth (Douglas) Michael on March 8, 1943. She attended Bellmore High School and graduated from Rockville High School in 1961, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Indiana State University in 1983.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, George (Louise, deceased) Michael and Bill (Sheryl, surviving) Michael. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, John Kelch; siblings, Sonnie (Dorothea) Michael, Janet (Ron Paddock) Flock, Ann (Bob) McCullough; two sons, Mike (Debbie) Rose and Marty (Beverly) Rose, and one daughter, Michele (Jeff) Pittard; step-daughters, Debbie (Tim) Mischke and Becky (Raymond) Digby; eight grandchildren, Michael (Bethany) Rose, Matt (Holiday) Rose, Kristy Delp, Kelly Delp, Kalyn (Tyler) Griffin, Regan (Tucker) Guisewite, Reid (Maddy) Pittard, and Rylie Pittard Coyle; she has four step-grandchildren: Zach and Tyson Digby and Shelby and Bailey Mischke; and six great-grandchildren, Paige, Ozzie, and Crew Rose, Scarlett and Vivienne Rose, and Rook Guisewite; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

An inspiration to her family and others who knew her, Mary’s work ethic and perseverance enabled her to complete her college degree and go on to have a successful career with two Ford Dealerships. She also served as bookkeeper for Rose Brothers Farms, and in her “retirement,” she became an entrepreneur building a thriving embroidery business. Always the first to show up for her family, she will be remembered as loyal and generous and a fierce defender of everyone she loved. In addition to being an accomplished seamstress and quilter, she loved animals and everything her kids and grandkids were involved in, including sports and 4-H activities, and she logged countless miles and bleacher time watching them. Competitive and playful, she enjoyed all kinds of games, especially “Train” and “Euchre.”

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Indiana Donor Network at 3760 Guion Road Indianapolis, IN 46222. Or click this link to make a gift online: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=iopo&id=1

A memorial service for the family will be held at a later time in Rockville, IN.