Dorothy Mae (Kelly) Kempker

Dorothy Mae Kempker (Byrne) passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the age of 98 at Fountain View, Coopersville, MI. She was born on September 3, 1927 at the family farm in Coopersville, MI to the late Asa and Hazel (Easterly) Kelly. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Frances Byrne; second husband, Russ Kempker; granddaughter, Megan Byrne; grandson, David Umlor Jr.; sisters, Betty and Mariellen; brothers, James, Nathan, Asa Jr., Kenneth, Lowell and son-in-law, Jerry Crockett

Dorothy graduated from Coopersville High School in 1945 and went on to graduate from Mercy Central School of Nursing as an RN in September of 1948. In 1991 Dorothy retired from Saint Mary’s Hospital after 33 years of nursing.

Dorothy is survived by her 3 children, Kelly (Jill) Byrne of Port Charlotte, FL, Jan (Steve) Cimock of Coopersville, MI, Carol Crockett of Sparta, MI; brother, Larry Kelly of Fife Lake, MI; 8 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held at a later date in Marne Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the staff at Fountain View Assisted Living of Coopersville and Medical Team Hospice for the care of Dorothy.

Memorial donations may be made to Coopersville Cares, 180 68th Ave N, Coopersville, MI 49404 or to an animal shelter of your choice. Condolences for the family may be left on Dorothy’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161