Beatrice Marie Kelley, “Nee-Gon-Ca-Mo-Qua”, First Thunder Lady, 76, of Northport and formerly of Grand Rapids, died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Fife Lake on Aug 17, 2004. Her loving family was by her side.
Mrs. Kelley was born third of four children. Her siblings were Eugene, Isaac, and William. She married David Fox Sr, when she was 18, and they had seven children. She later married Tom Kelley and they had three daughters together. A proud moment in her life was when she earned her GED, at 44 years old, in 1971. She continued her education and graduated, in 1975, as a licensed practical nurse. Her philosophy was, “There is no such thing as can’t.” Bea was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. She was proud of her Native American heritage and, later in life, participated in many activities with her brothers. She loved going to pow-wows and selling fry bread and corn soup. Bea loved to dance and harmonize with her brother, “Uncle Bill.”
She had an amazing sense of humor which drew many people to her.
Bea is survived by her five sons and five daughters, Larry Fox, David (Deborah) Fox, William Fox, Richard (Marilyn) Fox, Patricia Fox, Judy (Rick) Norberg, Isaac Fox, Diane (Pat) Kelley-McDonald, Mary (Tom Shomin) Kelley and Kay (Ron) Stocker (James Sullivan); four stepchildren, Karen (Richard) Schmidt, Linda (James) Forwerck, John Kelley, and April Kelley; 37 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sepceial sister in law, Theodore (Ted) Peters; two nieces; four nephews; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Eugene, Isaac, William.
Visitation will be today, Aug 20, 2004, throughout the day. The family will receive friends at the home of Mary Kelley, located at 503 E State St, Fife Lake. Funeral services will be held on Sat, Aug 28, 2004 at 11 am, also at the family home. The services will be celebrated by J.D. Gibson and Pastor Michael Peters. Burial will be on Mon, Aug 23, 2004, in Greenwood Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
Memorials may be considered to Family Intentions.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Covell-Smith Funeral Home in Kingsley.