Ronald Duane Kelley

Ronald Duane Kelley Died on January 29, 2026. He was 66 years young.

Like so many brave souls before Ron, he courageously dueled with, but sadly lost a valiantly fought war against a very evil opponent... cancer. Cancer stole Ron's body but never succeeded in robbing his spirit, nor diminishing his faith. Ron's positivity and light emanating from his everlasting soul will shine brighter, in all who knew and loved him.

Ronald Duane Kelley was born on February 24, 1959, in Cadillac, MI, to parents James and Joyce (Hubbard) Kelley. He was predeceased by his beloved mother Joyce on October 21, 2024.

Ron is survived by his supportive and loving father James, his four beautiful sisters, Rebecca (Bryan) Martinson, Mary Austin (Mark Taylor), Jean (Lonnie) Pluto, Valerie (Norman) Holbrook, as well as many nieces and nephews, and many great, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Also surviving Ron is his partner of nearly eleven years, Peggy; along with her two children, James (April) Blake and Sara (Dolphis) Rabidoux and two grandsons, Alexander and Theodore Blake.

Ron grew up in Marion, Remus, Sebewaing, and eventually Pinconning, Michigan. His very first job, at age fourteen was as a busboy working at his family's owned restaurant in Marion called "The Irish Inn". When Ron was eighteen, he joined the Air Force. He was assigned the position of Munitions Technician, stationed at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota. He proudly served his country for four years.

Upon returning to Michigan Ron explored various career paths. He finally found his niche as a Warehouse Technician at Hemlock Semiconductor in Hemlock, MI where he was employed for the last 25 years.

Ron embraced his life as simplistic and uncomplicated. Meaning, he was a man who did not strive to be surrounded by material things. He reveled in the joys of walking his dogs, riding his bike, sitting outside and enjoying nature. He savored eating out at the "Turkey Roost" on Perch Friday and often visited "Northwoods" just to look around. He loved to stop at every antique store along the way.

Ron was very intuitive, and a critical thinker. These traits in Ron became stronger with each passing year, due in part by his time spent bow hunting, one of his greatest pleasures. Every year when hunting season approached, Ron would head up to "The Cabin" in Marion. He said going there, sitting in the woods, listening to the birds sing, and the leaves rustling in the wind, made him feel "immensely peaceful". Hunting reenergized Ron.

Then came March 15, 2015, the day he met the love of his life, his forever partner, Peggy. Together they shared their faith in Jesus Christ, and their hopes and dreams. God blessed and guided them. He provided them both with patience, understanding and everlasting love that will continue to endure in this life and beyond.

Nothing can replace a life like Ron's that touched so many in such profound ways. But each of us can take a moment in time we experienced with Ron and preserve it in our memories and in our hearts.

Ron's dream was to help others as much as he could. Ron hoped others would find faith the way he had, and in doing so, give them strength to seek the truth, to behold love, and attain true happiness.

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be planned for a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked by Ron to simply spend time with your loved ones.

All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored that the Kelley family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Those wishing to offer condolences may do so through the funeral home's website at www.wswfh.com. Ronalds's memory will be cherished and his life celebrated by all who were touched by him.