Betty J. "Sam" Kelm's Obituary
Betty J. “Sam” Hardy Kelm, 66, died March 16, 2017.
Sam was born October 26, 1950, to Amherst F. Hardy and Marian (Johnson) Hardy in Decatur, Ill. She was a life-long resident of Decatur. Sam graduated from MacArthur High School in 1968 and was a PFC in the United States Marine Corps. She married the love of her life, Terry Kelm, on March 1, 1989. Sam was well known in the Decatur community, working for various businesses including The Ambassador, The Decatur Club, and Wildwood Pet Clinic. Sam enjoyed traveling, reading, music, and cooking. She had a passion for gardening and animals, and loved spending time with family and friends.
Sam was proceeded in death by her parents and her husband, Terry L. Kelm. She is survived by her brother, Warren Daniel “Dan” Hardy (Donna Schum) of Decatur, Ill., daughter Jennifer Schwitek of Springfield, Ill., granddaughter Kaitlyn (Patrick) Schwitek Kennedy of Wood River, Ill., great grandson, Noah Farrand, of Chatham, Ill, and her loyal dachshund, Abbott.
On behalf of Sam, the family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to the following “special angels”: Ted Campbell, “Rosy” Rosenberger, Marilyn Settles-Clark, Marianne Mourning, Zachary Farrand, Linda Murphy, DHM Home Hospice and nurse Becky Lee, and the DMH Nursing Staff.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
At Sam’s request, a Celebration of Life memorial will be held Sunday, April 9, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at The Wagon Restaurant.
The family of Betty J. “Sam” Hardy Kelm is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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