Mary Beth Kellom, 46, known affectionately to many as “MBK” or “Mary Berry,” passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2014, in Berlin, Wis. A precious bit of light has left our world.
She was born on April 3, 1968, in Beaver Dam, Wis., the youngest of five children of Glenn and Carol (Koch) Kellom. She grew up there, graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1989 and began working at Green Valley Enterprises shortly thereafter.
Mary Beth lived in Beaver Dam all her life, until this past March, when she moved to a group home in Berlin due to health concerns.
She was beloved to family and friends for her larger than life personality, delightful sense of humor, mischievous pranks, enveloping hugs and clever turns of phrase, as well as her love for and affinity with babies and animals.
Mary Beth took great pride in her job and was active for years in the Dodge County ARC and in Special Olympics, where she won a gold medal in shot put and other medals and ribbons in bowling. She had wide-ranging musical tastes from Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Conway Twitty to the Beach Boys, John Denver, Tom Petty, Aerosmith and Janet Jackson. She enjoyed movies, dining, karaoke, Yahtzee! and traveling, and had visited Graceland, St. Louis, Disney World, Branson, Chicago and Minneapolis, often road-tripping with her sister, Deb. She was a true-blue Packer Backer and Brewers and Bucks fan.
Mary Beth embraced life with a wonderful spirit, whatever came her way, and she loved to laugh and share happiness with others. She touched many lives, whether you were lucky to have known her for years or had just recently met her.
Surviving Mary Beth are her loving sisters, Phyllis (James) Ryan of Olympia, Wash., Nancy (Steve) Wolfram of Beaver Dam, Deborah (Bill) Fritsch of Madison; sister-in-law Marie Kellom of Dubois, Idaho; uncle Gilbert Koch of Beaver Dam, nieces Rebecca Ryan and Melissa Kellom; nephews Rob Ryan, Andy Kellom and Shane Wolfram, cousins and many dear friends, including Carolyn Jahnz
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her brother Tom Kellom; a niece, Sarah Kellom, several aunts and uncles and numerous friends.
A celebration of Mary Beth’s life will be held at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N.7199 N Crystal Lake Rd, Beaver Dam on April 23. Visitation will begin at Noon, with a 1 p.m. service and luncheon immediately following. She will be laid to eternal rest with her parents at Highland Memory Gardens, Beaver Dam.
Mary Beth’s family wishes to thank her devoted and caring staff at Creative Community Living Services (CCLS) and Green Valley Enterprises for helping Mary achieve so many of her dreams and goals and enjoy life to the utmost. Memorials in her memory are suggested to Green Valley Enterprises, 1223 Madison St, Beaver Dam, Wis., 53916.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral and Cremation Services, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Rd., Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
