Our beloved father, Arthur Edward Kelley 76, formerly of Hart, died March 12, 2025, at his home in Clarkston. He was born to Laurance and Cleo (Savage) Kelley, the second of four brothers welcomed to this union.
Art was preceded in death by: his parents; two brothers, Larry and Gerald Kelley; and by the love of his life and wife of 45 years, RuthAnn Fradenburg Kelley.
Art is survived by: girlfriend, Constance Puscas of Clarkston; daughter, Rochelle Ann Kelley Hartley (Rick) of Scottville; son, Chad Arthur Kelley of Hart; grandson, Sean Patrick Kelley (Becca Beach) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and brother, William (Sue) Kelley of Hart; along with many nieces and nephews.
Art spent all but three of his 76 years in Oceana County. Growing up in Hart and graduating from Hart High School in 1968, he loved this area, and it was home. He was a lifelong businessman in Oceana County. At the age of 19, for a short time he and his elder brother Larry opened a gas station in Hart, called Kelley Mobile. Later also working alongside Larry at Shelby Gem Stones, Inc in Shelby for a few years. He then went into business on his own which is what’s known today as Kelley Machining, Inc. This has been a thriving and productive machine shop for over 4+ decades due to Art’s determination, sacrifice, honest hard work, and the support of his family.
Art retired at age 72 passing his business down to his son, Chad, which was a great source of pride for him.
Growing up, Art had a deep passion for cars and driving fast. He was well known throughout the county for his drag racing and fast cars, for most of his adult life he owned a corvette, purchasing a 2024 corvette just last year.
Art had many interests. He loved being outdoors and loved Michigan. Through the years, he and RuthAnn took a few trips on their motorcycle out West, he also enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing and some hunting, as well as enjoying many camping trips as a family. As time passed, he found great pleasure in going for rides to favorite restaurant destinations. He also was a great reader of many topics. In his final few years, he really enjoyed walking and getting his “steps” in with Connie.
Art accomplished a great deal in his life, with his family being the most important thing to him.
Please join us on Saturday, May 24, 2025, for a Celebration of Life that will be conducted at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N 72nd Avenue, Hart. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until services start at noon. A luncheon will follow services at the funeral home, and burial will be in Hart Cemetery following the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crystal Valley Care Fund, PO Box 451, Hart, MI 49420.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
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