Ellen Lee (Seiber) Kelley

Ellen Lee Kelley, age 79, of Waterford, Michigan, passed away on March 18, 2025. She was born on April 22, 1945, in Pontiac, Michigan, to the late William and Marjorie (Phillips) Seiber.

Ellen had a deep love for books and learning, filling her home with stories from every genre. She shared this passion with her students during her 30-year career as a first-grade teacher at Four Towns Elementary School in Waterford. "Mrs. Kelley’s class" was a place where young minds were nurtured, and a love of reading was sparked in every child she taught. She was a dedicated educator, adored by her students and respected by her colleagues.

After retiring, Ellen split her time between Michigan and Englewood, Florida, where she enjoyed the warmth and relaxation of the Sea Oats Beach Club, a special place her parents helped establish. She also loved to travel and explore new places, especially destinations near the water. Cruises were one of her favorite ways to see the world, and she cherished the memories made along the way.

Ellen was also a creative soul. She was an avid scrapbooker, carefully crafting albums filled with photos and stories from her travels and family moments. She had a gift for making beautiful handmade cards, never missing a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. She kept a dedicated calendar to ensure that everyone in her life felt remembered and celebrated.

A longtime member of the American Business Women’s Association, Ellen valued the friendships and sense of community she found there. Her kindness, creativity, and thoughtfulness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Amy Kelley; her sister, Sherrill (Reid) Sherwin; her nephew, Chris (Ogi) Sherwin; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marjorie Seiber, and her brother, Tom Seiber.

A visitation will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Coats Funeral Home – Clarkston, located at 8909 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, Michigan 48348, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, with a funeral service to begin at 12:30pm. Officiating the service will be Pastor Martin Woody. Burial will take place at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ellen’s honor to Easterseals.

Ellen lived a life full of love, creativity, and kindness. Whether through her teaching, her travels, or the countless lives she touched, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

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