Kathleen Marie Kelly

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Toni & Trish House, with her family at her side; at the age of 92 years.

The daughter of the late John and Kathrine (Fritzler) Buxman, Kathleen was born on January 29, 1933, in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Arthur Hill High School with the class of 1949. Kathleen married James L. Kelly on September 30, 1949; he preceded her in death on December 16, 1994. She was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church. Kathleen was a Saginaw County Sheriff's Deputy for many years of loyal and dedicated service. Her extensive travels took her to various destinations across the globe, including Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. One of her most memorable adventures was a train journey that spanned the breadth of the continental United States. Kathleen's explorations extended from the majestic landscapes of Alaska in the North to the sunny shores of Florida in the South, and from the vibrant streets of New York in the East to the iconic landmarks of California in the West. Her life was truly a testament to how one life can affect so many. Kathleen often expressed her wish to be remembered for her deep commitment to her faith, her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren, all of whom were her greatest joys and treasures. She acknowledged the profound influence of her loving parents, stating, "My loving parents made me who I am, and all the threads woven into your lives are woven into mine."

Surviving are her daughters, Dawn Dalton, Kim (Scott) Anderson; her daughter of her heart, Virginia (Gary) May; two God-daughters, Renaie Kolbe, Cathie Averill; grandchildren, Jamie (Jalynn) Schnur, Meghan (Jared) Katerberg, Gerald Fish, Ryan Fish, Matthew (Jordan) Kelly, Eric (Dori) Dalton, Mike (Carol) Dalton, and Patrick (Bonnie) Dalton. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Besides her husband and her parents; Kathleen was preceded in death by her son, Michael J. Kelly; son-in-law, Robert Dalton, Sr.; sisters and brothers, Elsie Marko, Helen Dijak, Arthur Buxman, Robert J. Buxman, Elizabeth Ann Buxman, Nancy Garibay, Rose Modlin, and Judy Lockwood.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Toni & Trish House and Residential Hospice, especially nurses Monica and Janet, for their kind and loving care of Kathleen. 

Funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 8695 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48609. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit the family from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Ascension Lutheran Church, Toni & Trish House, or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Please share your condolences and memories with the family at the visitation, service, or online at https://www.casefuneralhome.com.