JACKSONVILLE  -  Kelly Karen Kline, 58, of Jacksonville, unexpectedly passed away Monday, May 10, 2021 at her home.  Memorial services and a Celebration of her Life will be held at 5:00 PM on Saturday at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.

Kelly was preceded in death by her aunt, Jill Eichler.  She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Kline; daughter and son-in-law, Kara and Adam Plambeck and their two children, Maddox (8) and Tenley (3); son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Stephanie Kline; parents, Homer and Cynthia Cox; sister and brother-in-law, Tiffany and Michael Chiado and their daughters, Madeline and Sophia; and various other close family members.

She was born on June 2nd to Homer and Cynthia Cox in Killeen, TX.  She was raised by her parents in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1981.  Shortly following graduation, she married Jeffrey Scott Kline, and together they made their first of many moves for Jeffrey's Marine Corps career.  She and Jeffrey went on to have two children, Kara and Kevin.

Growing up, Kelly spent weekends with her family tailgating in Ann Arbor, MI and cheering on the Michigan Wolverines in The Big House.  Her loyalty to the Maize & Blue was ever present – You've likely seen her car with the "M" on the back driving in town.  Though Michigan football was her primary sport to cheer for, make no mistake that she kept up to date on the basketball team, hockey team, softball team, and other athletics.  She "bled" Maize and Blue!

Kelly's involvement at different Marine Corps Bases gave rise to her career as a civil servant in various capacities.  In her different roles, she trained and assisted military service members and their families.  Kelly spent much of her career at Marine Corps Family Team Building on New River Air Station, and just last month celebrated her twenty-year milestone in civil service.

To know Kelly was to know an Angel on Earth.  She lit up every room she walked in and never knew a stranger.  She would listen if you needed an ear, and she would give you the shirt off of her back.  She had a heart of gold, an infectious laugh, and gave altruistically.  Kelly loved her family and making memories with them.  One of her favorite requests was family barbeques and weekends around their pool.  She developed a green thumb over the last year and was very proud of her beautiful plants and flowers, which she showcased in her backyard oasis.  While Kelly wore many hats, her role as 'Granny' was one of her most beloved.  She was a teacher, a listener, and even a troublemaker with her grandkids.  Kelly lived a few houses down from her grandchildren and enjoyed long days swimming and playing, followed by cozying up watching movies with Maddox and Tenley.  The kids knew Granny's door was always open, her candy drawer always full, and her arms open and ready to squeeze big hugs.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 - 7 PM at the funeral home.

The family asks that guests honor Kelly's vibrant personality by wearing her favorite colors - Michigan maize & blue.