Marcia Joan Kellems, a spirited and vibrant soul, was born on May 29, 1949, in Marion, Indiana, where she spent her early years blossoming into the remarkable person she would become. Marcia left this world on October 22, 2024, in LaFountaine, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth touched everyone who knew her.
Marcia dedicated her professional life to Franklin Electric, later retiring from Foster Forbes, where her colleagues admired her strong work ethic and infectious laughter. She was not only a competent professional but also an individual with a creative spirit. An artist at heart, she had a talent for party planning and home decoration, showcasing her ability to bring joy and beauty into the lives of those around her.
She was fiercely competitive in shuffleboard, a testament to her vivacious personality that always shone bright. Marcia had an insatiable love for life that was evident in her interests: from gardening and landscaping to singing and dancing, she embraced every opportunity to celebrate. Family picnics and fishing trips were her favorite pastimes, especially cherished were the moments spent with her beloved family. The memories of her daily phone calls with her son, Mike, before he moved back to Indiana, shopping outings with her daughter, Debra, and the thrill of discovering new thrift stores together will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her loved ones.
Marcia’s love extended beyond her immediate family. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to eleven, always making time for them in her busy life. Her passion for baking cookies was something she delighted in sharing, and the aroma of fresh cookies will always remind her family of the warmth she brought into their lives.
One of her proudest accomplishments was finishing her associate’s degree in medical assisting, a goal she pursued with determination. It was also in the reunion with her son Mike, after a long separation of 35 years, that she found immense joy and fulfillment. Her family, including her sister Marcretta and countless friends, will remember Marcia as someone who was not afraid to speak her mind—feisty, energetic, and full of life.
Marcia is survived by her loving family: her sons, Michael (Doretta) Joy and Jerry Sloop; her daughter, Debra (Brett) Howard; her sister, Marcretta Joy; five grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren who will carry her spirit with them in all that they do. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cedervin and Verna Joy.
As we bid farewell to Marcia, we celebrate a life filled with laughter, love, and endless adventures. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of many, as she leaves behind a unique tapestry of experiences that inspired those fortunate enough to know her. A visitation will be held on October 25, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM at Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home in Marion, Indiana. Marcia will be laid to rest at the Estates of Serenity following the service.
Rest in peace, dear Marcia. Your light will always shine bright in our memories.
