Kathye Ann Kelley

Kathye Ann Kelley, cherished sister and friend, passed away gracefully and in peace July 12, 2026. Kathye was 70 years old. Born on September 21, 1955, in Toledo, Ohio, Kathye was the daughter of Martha M. Parker and Norman E. Kelley. She grew up and spent her teenage years in Toledo before moving to San Diego, California. Kathye graduated from Central Catholic High School (CCHS) in 1973 and attended the University of Toledo. At CCHS, she displayed her tremendous athleticism in basketball, track, and softball. Later, she played semi-pro softball and traveled throughout the country with her teams. Always an athlete in spirit and on the sidelines, she christened the Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeye football teams as "her" teams, spending many hours with friends and family (especially with her Mom, Marti) cheering them to victory or raising a toast to them with a Moscow Mule in defeat. Kathye was an exceptional baker and cook. She contributed her skills at restaurants throughout San Diego—soups were her specialty! She made the best cookies ever, never using a recipe. Even as her strength and coordination lessened due to Parkinson's Disease, we could always count on a batch of her famous chocolate chip and decorated sugar cookies for a special occasion. Kathye also worked at FedEx in San Diego, beguiling customers with her wit and humor. Kathye had a profound sense of the importance of family and friends, and a deep connection to animals, most recently with her dog, Kracker, and her beloved cat, Oreo. She loved the ocean and enjoyed it most while riding her wave runner at full speed, another aspect of her free and spirited nature. In 2004, she returned to Toledo to be closer to family and friends as she bravely fought Parkinson's progressive and profound effects on her body. Kathye is survived by her sisters, Deb and Vicki Kelley, and her devoted brother, B.Jay; his daughters and her nieces, Jillian and Kristin Kelley, and Deb's daughters, Heather Harding, Jesse and Brooke Weisbrod, and Leah Monteiro. She was so very proud of her nieces, and most certainly, they will never forget their crazy Auntie antics. As she wished, we invite family and friends to join us at a service in remembrance of Kathye's life on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the Historic Church of St. Patrick, 130 Avondale Ave, Toledo. After the service, let's celebrate Kathye's life at Shawn's Irish Tavern in Waterville, Ohio, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Kathye's family extends their deepest gratitude to the Detroit Ave. location of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the exceptional care and compassion they provided. The nurses' and aides' kindness allowed Kathye to pass with dignity, surrounded by peace, comfort, and love. In honor of Kathye's memory, donations can be made to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio Foundation at 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Kathye felt a kinship with Michael J. Fox, who also spent much of his adult life with Parkinson's Disease. Please consider a donation in her memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Though she is no longer with us in body, Kathye's spirit will forever remain in our hearts. She was a warrior, resilient throughout her Parkinson's journey, and she will continue to be remembered for her love, wit, and of course, laughter. Please view and sign Kathye's online guest registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com

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Kathye Ann Kelley

September 21, 1955 - July 12, 2026