Todd Michael Kelly was born March 7, 1962, in Kalamazoo, MI to Allen and Patrecia Kelly. He died on May 24, 2023, in his home from sudden cardiac arrest. Todd graduated from Vicksburg High School, Taylor University, and Western Michigan University where he received his MSW. He married Jennifer Marie Davis on April 2, 1988. Todd and Jennie rode their bicycles coast to coast twice, as well as from Montana to Alaska. He was a social worker at South Bend Schools, Lifeline Youth and Family Services, White’s Residential and Family Services, SAFY, and was currently employed at Elkhart Community Schools. He was an elder at Crossroads Evangelical Free Church for many years. He was passionate about raising Belted Galloway cows on their home, Whippletree Farm, west of Plymouth, IN.
Todd was a man of integrity, compassion, and had a great sense of humor. One of the guiding principles of Todd and Jennie’s marriage was hospitality, opening their home to many people over the years. He had a heart for the underdog and was a father figure to many. He never lost his sense of curiosity. Under the goofiness and practicality of daily work, was a true, innocent curiosity about people and their stories, about creatures, about the world.
One part of Todd’s legacy is that the world is a better place because of him. He was a man that gave, in many ways, to many people. He gave love to his family, guidance to troubled school kids, encouragement, and wise advice to many. He was a never-faltering example of a simple godly life. As we grieve, let us resolve to emulate that giving to others and love of God. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12: 30-31). Todd lived this way, so may we.
Todd was a man unafraid to chase his dreams. His interests were too numerous to mention, but include organic farming, biking, backpacking, restorative justice, motorcycles, mentoring, paragliding, bagpipes, kayaking, rotational grazing, Euchre, foster care, coffee brewing, great deals on farm equipment, draft horses, playing the banjo, brewing cider, experiential education and high rope course, procrastination, hunting, and most recently brewing kombucha and developing a micro-loan program for farmers in Zimbabwe.
Todd is remembered by his beloved wife Jennie of 35 years, his children Audrey (Eric), Caleb (Lauren), Eliza and Claudia. Grandchildren Miriam and Michael Clark, and Kara and Natalie Kelly. Mother Patrecia Kelly, and siblings Scott (Sheril) Kelly and Kathy (Brad) Belcher and numerous nieces, nephews and many who regarded him as their father figure. He is welcomed in heaven by his father Allen Kelly and his dear friend, Bob Read.
A private interment will be held at New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. A visitation will be held at 5:00 pm, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Young Amphitheater, Plymouth, Indiana, across from the high school. Memorial services will be at 6:00 pm Wednesday at the amphitheater, the family has asked that you bring a chair and or a blanket.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send memorial contributions to Coldwater Foundation, which Todd supported passionately. Please send donations to coldwaterfoundation.org
Kathy Keup says
I am very sorry to hear about Todd’s passing. I didn’t know him, but I can see that he would have been one I would have been honored to call a friend. My condolences to my good friends Jim and Alita, and your family at this difficult time.
David Lloyd says
I was deeply saddened to hear this news.
I respected Todd Kelly, and his views influenced my own views.
I especially liked his focus on returning to Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon On The Mount, and not allowing good causes to distract us from those simple principles of serving others that Jesus taught.
My prayers are with the Kelly family.
Tom & Mary Gaines says
Dear Jennie and Family,
Im extremely sadden to hear of Todds passing. I know he’s loving in Gods kingdom. I was fortunate to meet Todd through my cousin Michelle in Plymouth. I knew within the first 5 minutes of his character…trustworthy, sincere, and genuine. We had the pleasure of doing business together over the years. Todd truly loved life and was willing to share his experiences. He will be missed. God bless you Jennie. Todd will always be in your heart.
Johanna Vandersall says
Dear Kelly family,
You are foremost in our prayers. We grieve with you and we will do our best, with God’s help, to emulate Todd’s legacy of love. It is clear that he found the best in people and in all this life had to offer. Lots of love to you all,
The Vandersall family
Missie Dickerson says
So sorry for the loss of Todd.
He was a great person who I had the privilege of working with at Elkhart Central, and Elkhart High School. He made an impact on many and will be dearly missed.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Kayla Shorey says
Todd was such a big impact on my life, he would visit me in college to encourage me to not give up even though i felt like I was going through it alone he reminded me to rely on my faith. I always used to call him Mr. Kelly and he always insisted I called him Todd so in compromise I would jokingly call him Mr. Todd. My deepest condolences to the family Mr. Todd touched so many peoples lives but he helped change mine
Robin Bacon says
Jennie, Please know that I will be praying for you. YOU are loved with an everlasting love. I am so sorry.
Robin (Sample) Bacon -(Daphne’s friend)
Andrea Thalheimer says
I was blessed to get to know Todd and his passion to prevent bullying and suicide. He will always be remembered for his caring heart. May God comfort all who mourn🙏❤️
Judy Delp says
Hebrew 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
May God’s touch be evident today and in the days ahead. May He be real in an undeniable way to each of you. And may you as family and close friends sense the deep assurance of mercy and grace that Christ offers each of us. May His strength be yours….
I will always remember Todd’s gentle touch on my life during the times he came into The Cross Walk, served together on Family Foundations board, had meaningful conversations when meeting to buy grass fed beef and his care during the loss of our son Adam. Todd’s legacy will continue in the lives of the many young people and their families that he so wonderfully served, counseled, taught and loved…
Continued prayers for you all💕🙏🏻✝️
Jane & Mike Ricketts says
Our deepest condolences to Jennie and the Kelly family. May you feel the love and comfort from your friends and our Heavenly Father.
Jim & Sandy Holderread says
So sorry for your loss, as we rejoice that Todd has really started to live now. Something we all look forward to. Family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace.
Keith & Marlene Hadden says
We send our love and condolences to you Jennie and family. You were wonderful neighbors to us and we grew from just being in Todd’s quiet, gentle and steady presence. His light shone bright for his Saviour and he has left a legacy of faith and trust that will continue to bless others.
Alicia says
To Todd’s family:
I am deeply saddened to hear of Todd’s family. I met him a few years ago in the restorative justice world and quickly learned that there were many overlapping passions. Todd supported me through some very challenging experiences and changes and cheered me on in new endeavors. I witnessed his curiosity, compassion, empathy, flexibility and gentle correction in the restorative justice work we did together. It was a blessing to know him even just a bit. As I was cleaning up my email inbox I stumbled upon an email from him that he’d sent me just a few weeks ago. It had been a while since we touched base but he was friendly and supportive as ever! I am sad that I never got the chance to respond. His presence in this world will surely be missed.
Prayers for you and yours as you mourn. May God’s embrace be ever present and the sense of gratitude as deep as the sadness you may be feeling.