Elizabeth Jane Kelly

KELLY, Elizabeth Betty Jane (Hacker)  Age 91, died Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at Willow Brook Manor. Betty died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by the love of all of her family and friends Tuesday night. She was the kind of women who always brought happiness and joy wherever she went. Although she was deaf in her later years, she strived valiantly to overcome her handicap. She was the oldest person in the U.S. to receive a cochlear implant to restore part of her hearing. Betty, a devote Methodist will not need any artificial implant to hear the angels sing today. Her strength of character, her love of life, and her high energy inspired everyone. She was the best mom in the world. She was married to Robert D. Kelly in Indianapolis, IN in 1940. He preceded her in death in May 1986. Betty received her B.A. from the University of Evansville, IN in 1934 and her M.A. from the University of Michigan in 1960. She taught in the Flint Public Schools at Stephenson, old Kearsley, old Walker, and new Walker until her retirement in 1973. She had been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1950, a member of the Council on Ministries, and the Martha Circle. She was a member of the U of M Alumni, the Pi Lambda Theta Sorority and the National Retired Teachers. She had also been an avid bowler. Surviving are: two sons, Stephen Kelly and wife, Linda of Alexandria, VA, Dennis Kelly of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Robert, Kathryn and Tara; sister, Helen Thorn; brother, William Hacker, both of New Albany, IN; many nieces and nephews; dear friend, Patricia Gage, whom she loved like a daughter. She was also preceded in death by: daughter-in-law, Rita (Battino) Kelly; sister, Ruth Denny. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, October 9, 2004 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2200 Forest Hill Ave., Flint with Rev. Tom Tarpley officiating. Interment will be held at Graceland Memorial Park, New Albany, IN. Visitation will be from 7-9 PM Thursday and 2-5 and 6-9 PM Friday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Friends may share an online condolence or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com