Annabell (Ann) Bruce Kelley of Carleton, Michigan, died on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, following a prolonged illness.

Born March 22, 1926, in Saginaw, Michigan, Annabell was the daughter of Gurley and Thelma (Nally) Bruce. She met her husband and the love of her life, James Kenneth Kelley, while he was attending Naval School at Alma College in 1942. They married on April 8, 1947 after his discharge from the US Navy.

Annabell was a kind, generous, funny, multi-talented woman. Her many interests included furniture refinishing, tailoring, gardening, reading, political debate, and her family. She possessed a quick and easy wit; a lovely, genuine smile; a well-used heart; and a seriously sublime spirit.

Although her early life was tumultuous, having lost her mother at six months of age, she was a resolutely positive and determined individual. Some of her favorite things included: early mornings and late nights (but not consecutively), the laughter of babies, brilliant fabrics, good margaritas, and loyalty.

In addition to her husband of 65 years, Annabell is survived by four daughters: Diane Kelley Giles of Brooklyn, New York; Ann Kelley (Ted Brumm) of Ann Arbor; Teresa Kelley (Benn Bukovac) of Ypsilanti; and Patricia (Dennis) Schafer of Pearl River, Louisiana; one sister, Lois (Lawrence) Stevenson of Seattle, Washington; and five grandsons, including her beloved Brendan.

She was predeceased by two sons, Bruce Patrick Kelley and Kenneth Michael Kelley, and one brother, Robert Bruce.

She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

A private family funeral was held at Merkle Funeral Service, Monroe, Michigan, on November 10, 2012, followed by burial at St. Patrick Cemetery.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to Arbor Hospice for the palliative care provided to Annabell and the support shown to her family. It is their wish that anyone interested in making a donation in Annabell’s name, do so online at www.arborhospice.org.