Kathe Kelley

Kathe Kelley, 91, of Sedalia, MO, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, surrounded by her family at Sylvia Thompson. Kathe came from a strong, hardworking German family. She was born on October 16, 1932, in Heidelberg, Germany, to Heinrich and Ketcha Schrodersecker.

Kathe met her first husband, Donald Hoffman, from Minnesota, while he was serving in the US Army stationed in Germany. The two married and moved to the United States in 1956. Together, they had five children.

Kathe became a US citizen on May 18, 1960. A proud US citizen, Kathe embodied the ideals of hard work and grit, teaching herself English while raising her children and caring for the elderly.

On December 21, 1976, Kathe married Gordon Malcolm Kelley Jr., who preceded her in death. Together they had one daughter.

Kathe never missed a chance to clean, care for others, or polka dance. For many years, she owned and ran a boarding home, never hesitating to take in anyone who needed help and care. Kathe's life was rooted in bringing healing and peace to others. She was known for her sense of humor and always being ready with a witty comeback.

Kathe ran a strict household; however, the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was felt in many different ways, mainly in her acts of service and protectiveness over them. She was always there to step in and help whenever there was a need.

She was born Catholic. To know Kathe was to know her deep love of God. Many of her children came to know God and life in the church because of their mom.

Kathe will be deeply missed by her family, but her generous spirit will continue to bring warmth and light to those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Besides her parents and husband, Kathe is preceded in death by three brothers, Hans, Walter, and Franz, and four sisters, Gretal, Emma, Lotte, and Rose.

Kathe is survived by her children, Rosie (Steve) Bunch of Sedalia, Lois (Tom) Houchen of Killen, AL, James Hoffman of Sedalia, Hans (Joy) Hoffman of Warsaw, MO, Kathe (Ralph) Eye of Sedalia, and Christina (Kurt) Borgmeyer of Cole Camp, MO; grandchildren, Jill (Justin) Chambers of Killen, AL, Melissa (Jason) Stone of Sedalia, Jason (Heidi) Houchen of Grayeslake, IL, Christopher Bunch of Sedalia, Richard Dean Brandkamp of Sedalia, Ryan (Eleanore) Eye of Sedalia, Meghan (Garrett) Fisher of New Bloomfield, MO; three step-grandchildren, Rachel, Tim, and Christina; 12 great-grandchildren; and her most beloved dog, Teddy.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorials can be made to the Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery, Sedalia, MO, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.