Vonda Lynn (Gatchel) Kelsey

Vonda Lynn Kelsey, 67, South Whitley, passed away March 21, 2022 at Parkview Whitley Memorial Hospital in Columbia City, Indiana. The daughter of Jack and Mary (Ball) Gatchel, Vonda was born December 2, 1954 in Wabash, Indiana.

After graduating from Wabash High School in 1973, Vonda worked on an assembly line at Singer Controls in North Manchester, where she spent twenty years. She then changed fields and became a CNA. Her compassionate, caring personality made her a great asset to Peabody Retirement Community for many years and then Coventry Meadows in Fort Wayne. Vonda had a strong work ethic and would often outwork people half her age. After fifteen years as a CNA, she retired in 2006.

While Vonda enjoyed her work, nothing compared to the love she had for her daughters, Michelle and Amy, and her companion of thirty-four years, David Hagan. She possessed a strong faith and had a soft spot for all animals, especially her cat, Butterscotch, and her dog, Buggzy. In her free time, she enjoyed watching Indiana University and the Chicago Cubs. Vonda will be remembered her for her infectious laugh, outspoken nature, and spirited personality. 

The loving memory of Vonda Lynn Kelsey will be forever cherished by her mother, Mary Gatchel, Wabash; daughter, Michelle (Mari Adkins) Wakefield, North Manchester; companion, David Hagan, South Whitley; brothers, David (Mary) Gatchel, Steve (Cathy) Gatchel, and Greg (Tammy) Gatchel, all of Wabash; and sisters, Marcia Johnson and Julie (Mark) Coon, both of Wabash. Vonda was preceded in death by her father, Jack Gatchel, and one daughter, Amy Lynn Guthrie, who passed away on August 5, 2020.

Family and friends may call Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. A celebration of Vonda’s life will begin at 5:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Vonda Lynn Kelsey, memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

The family of Vonda Kelsey has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. 

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