Ross C. Kelly, age 81, passed away at his home May 14, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born Dec. 30, 1942, to the late William J. and Weimar M. Tharp Kelly.
Born and raised in Marion. He met and married the love of his life Linda Swisher Kelly. They were married 47 years until her death in 2009. Together they built their home on Sherman Street where they raised their two sons, Ross (Gayle) Kelly Jr. and Brian (Tammy) Kelly.
After retiring from Borg Warner, he spent his time with family and friends. He was always busy doing something. His greatest joys were family, friends, working on cars, racing cars at the racetrack, get away fishing trips to Canada and helping neighbors or anyone in need. Most especially though he enjoyed spending time at his lake cottage on Diamond Lake. He enjoyed fishing, chatting with neighbors or just sitting on the porch watching the sun rise and set over the lake. Whether sitting on the porch or roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire, he would share stories of coming to the cottage with his parents and grandparents. We would listen to his tales of all his youthful hijinks weaving in stories of himself, Linda and the boys coming to the lake and all their mischief. He was most happy to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren run, laugh, swim, and fish just as he did as a child. Happy to know that it would be enjoyed by generations to come, making memories to keep a lifetime. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him, especially his family.
Ross is survived by his two sons, Ross (Gayle) Kelly Jr., of Warsaw; and Brian (Tammy) Kelly, of Milford; nine grandchildren: Brandon Kelly, Shelby Kelly, Brooke Kelly, Raymond Silva, Jennica Silva, Brendan Crisman, Aaron Silva, Alicia Baxter and Jonathan Seidner; eight great-grandchildren: Brayanna Kelly, Cameron Raffield, Brandon Kelly Jr., Barrett Kelly, Jax Kelly, Mason Seidner, Maddox Seidner and Bane Rogers, Bobby Jordan, Christina Grossman, Sam Martin. He is also survived by his brothers: Dave Kelly, Jack Kelly and Mike Kelly; and his nephew, Randy Adams.
In addition to his wife, Linda; and his parents, Ross is preceded in death by three sisters: Jonetta Adams, Sara Yates and Barbara Ann Kelly; one brother, Rex Kelly; and one great-grandchild, Elliot Yenaz.
Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion. Funeral services will follow visitation at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ron Hon officiating. Burial will be at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, 11201 S. Marion Road, 35, Marion.
For those who wish memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army Food Pantry, 359 N. Bradner Ave., Marion, IN.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com.