Katherine Gant Kelly

Katherine Gant Kelly, 64, of Ft. Wayne, IN peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, November 19, 2023. 

Kathy was born to Nancy (Gant) Curda and the late William Gant in Elmhurst, IL on November 26, 1958.  Throughout her childhood, Kathy enjoyed playing the role of big sister to her admiring  sisters, Dotty and Patty.  She loved fashion from an early age and put her best foot forward at every occasion - a trait that would last her lifetime.

She attended Snider High School in Ft. Wayne (class of 1976) and went on to attend Hillsdale College, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Dan Kelly.  Dan and Kathy were married in 1978 in Ft. Wayne, and welcomed four beautiful children over the next decade.  Kathy immersed herself in her children’s lives and activities, and found happiness in her roles of adoring mother, meticulous homemaker, Gigi to her 8 grandchildren, and devoted wife.

Kathy had a radiant personality, the “gift of gab”, and made others feel important and loved in all encounters.  Her heart was full of generosity and empathy.  She was particularly proud that each of her children were named captains of their respective sports in high school.  Her pride in her children resonated in her daily conversations.

She most enjoyed time spent with her family - especially ski trips to Boyne Highlands, MI for Christmas and attending her grandchildren’s many activities and sporting events.  She loved reminiscing, laughing, shopping, and was uniquely talented at interior design.  She recently enjoyed traveling to visit lifelong friends, reconnecting with high school and college friends, and looked forward to “birthday club” dinners with her many girlfriends in Ft. Wayne.

Kathy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  She is survived by her husband, Dan Kelly of 45 years; her son Ryan (Bianca) Kelly of Carmel, IN; her daughter Shauna (Mike) Omlor of Zionsville, IN; her son Brenden (JR) Kelly of Indianapolis, IN; her son Connor Kelly; her mother Nancy (Wes) Curda; her sisters Dotty (Bill) Maher and Patty Gant all of Zionsville, IN; her eight grandchildren who were her pride and joy:  Charlotte, Cass, Grayson, Callahan, Rowan, Ford, Reagan and Quinn; and her loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to:
St Mary’s Soup Kitchen
In memory of Katherine Kelly
1101 Lafayette St.
Ft Wayne, IN 46802

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Sycamore Hills Country Club with an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  A prayer service will begin at 12:30 p.m.