Mary Kathleen Moore

Mary Kathleen “Kathy” (Kelly) Moore, age 84, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Born on May 18, 1940, in Muncie, IN, Kathy was the daughter of Hannah C. (Miles) Kelly and James A. Kelly. She grew up with a strong sense of family and an enduring work ethic that would shape her life for decades to come.

Kathy dedicated over 25 years to the banking industry, serving as a bank teller, loan officer, and later as a manager. Her career was not just a job—it was a calling. She found deep joy in helping her clients and formed lifelong friendships with many of her coworkers. Known affectionately as "the Scarf Lady," Kathy brought warmth and style to every interaction, leaving a lasting impression on those she served and worked alongside.

At home, Kathy’s talents were boundless. She was an exceptional cook whose culinary legacy lives on through her cherished recipes—her meatloaf, fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, venison dishes, and especially her fried fish remain family favorites. Her Kentucky Bourbon pie was legendary and a staple at family gatherings.

A gifted seamstress from a young age, Kathy made her own clothes during school, including formal dresses, and later shared this talent with her daughter and granddaughter. She lovingly crafted prom dresses for Kelly and imaginative Halloween costumes for Kourtney. The most memorable being a carrot costume by special request. Her creativity extended to home décor as well; she made curtains, shades, furniture covers, and hand-drawn decorations that added warmth and charm to every space she touched.

Kathy’s love for adventure was matched only by her appreciation for quiet moments in nature. She treasured fishing trips to Canada with her beloved husband, Kenneth L. Moore, to whom she was married for nearly 50 years before his passing. Together they explored all 48 contiguous states after retirement—a dream they worked hard to achieve. Later in life, Kathy continued her travels with her daughter, Kelly, accompanying her on medical conferences that turned into unforgettable road trips across California, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, and Washington D.C. They also traveled to Hawaii and Alaska. These journeys were filled with laughter, discovery, and the kind of memories that last forever.

Faith played an important role in Kathy’s life. She and Ken were devoted members of Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Kathy actively participated in the Women's Circle group and volunteered regularly at the Church Rummage Sale, sorting items with care. She greatly enjoyed sharing fellowship through scripture study.

Kathy is survived by her daughter Kelly (Moore) Smith and husband Dave; son Kevin Moore and wife Carol Goldsmith-Moore; granddaughter Kourtney (Moore) Kollin and husband Kenny Kollin; great-grandchildren Kayce and Summer Kollin; bonus granddaughter Jessica (Goldsmith) VanderWeele and husband Spencer VanderWeele; her brother Ken Kelly and his wife Marcia Kelly; sister-in-law Janet Dobson as well as many nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.

She is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth L. Moore; parents Hannah C. (Miles) Kelly and James A. Kelly; brother James L. Kelly; sister-in-law Margaret Pierce; brother-in-law Ewing Moore; and sister-in-law Katy Melvin.

Throughout her life, Kathy remained humble about the blessings she received. She often reflected on how she never imagined having the life she ultimately built with Ken. The home they created together through hard work and perseverance brought them immense pride and joy.

Kathy will be remembered as a kind-hearted woman whose inner beauty radiated through every act of love she gave to family, friends, coworkers, and community alike.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Visitation will be Saturday April 26th at Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Home; 409 S. Main Street Vicksburg, MI 49097 at 11:00. Funeral will be to follow at 12:00 and a luncheon at Vicksburg United Methodist Church at 1:30. Donations to Rose Arbor Hospice of Kalamazoo and Vicksburg United Methodist Church in her name in lieu of flowers are appreciated.

While visiting Kathy’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.