Mary Jane (Calvin) Kells

SALEM – Mary Jane (Calvin) Kells, 80, slipped peacefully into her savior Jesus Christ’s arms early in the morning of Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at her beloved home with her husband by her side. She was born February 25, 1941 at home in Salem, daughter of the late Warren Woodrow and Violet Marie (Johnson) Calvin.

Mary Jane lived her entire life in Salem. She was a brownie, girl, mariner and camping aid with the Girl Scouts, a member of the junior and senior high school choirs, Y-Teens and a “Hy-Timer”. Mary Jane was an active member of First Friends Church where she sang in the choir and was a leader in the children’s Awana program for more than 30 years.

Mary Jane enjoyed gardening and spent many hours with her flowers around the house. As a young adult, she became interested in stocks (something she learned from her father) and had a good investing sense. She loved to cook and was very creative.

After graduating Salem High School in 1959, she worked at Church Budget Envelope Company and married Hugh L. Kells Jr. on July 3, 1965. She took time off from the late ‘60s until the late ‘70s to raise her three children. She returned to work finding her true passion, starting at the Salem Golf and Country Club as a hostess, then worked in the kitchen, eventually becoming the Sioux chef. After the golf club, she worked at Salem Hills and then for Victor Calautti’s catering service for over 16 years, retiring in 2014.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Chris Kells of Cornersburg, Greg Kells of Charlestown, SC and Dan (Cristyn) Kells of New York, NY; sister Joyce (Charles) Clegg of Lincoln, VA; brother, Dennis (Cathy) Calvin of Salem and grandson, Bronson Kells.

All who knew her, saw her gentle accepting spirit and loving heart which resulted in her “unofficially” adopting several of our children’s friends. They call her “Mom” to this day and lived them anywhere from several weeks to several years. They include Jackson (Angel) Barcey of Salem, Charles (Amy) Eriksen of Canton and Alex West of Texas, as well as Aaron Daily, who passed away.

Besides her parents, one sister, Carol Davis Ship of Mesa, AZ and her infant daughter, Jennifer also preceded her in death.

Calling hours will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Stark Memorial and 11:00 a.m. -Noon Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at First Friends Church prior to the funeral service at Noon with Pastor Pete Fowler officiating. Please adhere to CDC guidelines. Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery in Greenford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings Ave., Salem, OH 44460, Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44463 or Salem Alumni Assoc., 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program where your message will be attached to a balloon in the chapel to remind the family of your love and support at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Mary Jane’s obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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