Katherine
Gant
)Kelly
Obituary
Katherine Gant Kelly, 64, of Ft. Wayne, IN peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
Kathy was born to Nancy (Gant) Curda and the late William Gant in Elmhurst, IL on November 26, 1958. Throughout her childhood, Kathy enjoyed playing the role of big sister to her admiring sisters, Dotty and Patty. She loved fashion from an early age and put her best foot forward at every occasion – a trait that would last her lifetime.
She attended Snider High School in Ft. Wayne (class of 1976) and went on to attend Hillsdale College, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Dan Kelly. Dan and Kathy were married in 1978 in Ft. Wayne, and welcomed four beautiful children over the next decade. Kathy immersed herself in her children’s lives and activities, and found happiness in her roles of adoring mother, meticulous homemaker, Gigi to her 8 grandchildren, and devoted wife.
Kathy had a radiant personality, the “gift of gab”, and made others feel important and loved in all encounters. Her heart was full of generosity and empathy. She was particularly proud that each of her children were named captains of their respective sports in high school. Her pride in her children resonated in her daily conversations.
She most enjoyed time spent with her family – especially ski trips to Boyne Highlands, MI for Christmas and attending her grandchildren’s many activities and sporting events. She loved reminiscing, laughing, shopping, and was uniquely talented at interior design. She recently enjoyed traveling to visit lifelong friends, reconnecting with high school and college friends, and looked forward to “birthday club” dinners with her many girlfriends in Ft. Wayne.
Kathy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Dan Kelly of 45 years; her son Ryan (Bianca) Kelly of Carmel, IN; her daughter Shauna (Mike) Omlor of Zionsville, IN; her son Brenden (JR) Kelly of Indianapolis, IN; her son Connor Kelly; her mother Nancy (Wes) Curda; her sisters Dotty (Bill) Maher and Patty Gant all of Zionsville, IN; her eight grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Charlotte, Cass, Grayson, Callahan, Rowan, Ford, Reagan and Quinn; and her loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
St Mary’s Soup Kitchen
In memory of Katherine Kelly
1101 Lafayette St.
Ft Wayne, IN 46802
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Sycamore Hills Country Club with an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A prayer service will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Services
Condolences
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We will all miss you and remember you joyful personality.
Your mom made my family smile whenever we saw her ! Such an amazing woman, grandmother, and mother. We are so sorry for this terrible loss. Praying for your entire family
Love
Scott & Stacey Singer
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Much love to the Kelly family. Kathy will always be in our hearts!
Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Mollie Howe, Greg & Mary White & family, Steve & Renee White & family
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Deepest Sympathies from all of us at Village Custom Embroidery.
With our deepest condolences and prayers…
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you this week. We are keeping your family in our thoughts!
Mothers plant the seeds of love that bloom forever. Heaven has gained an angel.
Our family is praying for you all during this difficult time. Kathy will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Wishing you healing and comfort to your wonderful family.
Nancy,Molly,Patty,
I can not believe Kathy is gone. She was a wonderful friend and client. We had lots of fun times together.
Dan and family you have my sympathy. I will keep you in my prayers.
Our deepest sympathy May her memory be eternal
Bob Vickrey; Rick and Rhonda Barker; Brad and Denise Hein; Dave and Meri-Lee Hooker
Heartfelt condolences on your loss
Lots of Love and Affection
Sonny, Angie, Teddy, Doc, Dave, Ken, Chuck
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Ashley, Alicia, Bryan, Dan S., Matt, Matt, Cameron & Dan Z.
I have many fond memories of our days at Hillsdale. Our hearts go out to the family. Kathy will be missed
Shauna, Mike & family – our deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this incredibly difficult time…
With heartfelt sadness for your family, Dotty. Prayers for the comfort your closeness with each other may bring to each of you. May your sister be resting in heavenly peace. ~ Your sisters in Christ
Dan, sorry for your loss
Dear Nancy and family we are so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. Our thots and prayers are with all of you.
RIP dear Kathy –
Your family will deeply miss you!
My daughter, Bianca, and grandchildren Callahan , Rowan and Quinn and the rest of the Droese Family will miss you too
My condolences to Nanna, Dan, Ryan, Shauna, Branden and Connor.
Dotty and Patty also.
Love and prayers