Kelly R. Styron

She was born December 7, 1973, in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents Martin Clark and Rosemary (Veon) Donnelly. Kelly graduated from Ravenna High School in 1992 and attended Bohecker's Business School. She worked for Ravenna City Schools for more than 20 years, most recently in the Brown Middle School cafeteria, where students and staff alike came to know and love her kindness, warmth, and ever-present smile.

Anyone who knew Kelly knew her for her extraordinary kindness, positive outlook, and infectious smile. In a small town where nearly everyone knows everyone else, it is rare to find a person about whom no one has a bad word to say. Kelly was one of those rare people. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, lightening difficult moments with her infectious laugh, and finding reasons to smile even when life was challenging. Her sweetness was genuine and extended to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Even in her final days, Kelly's thoughts remained focused on others. In true Midwestern fashion, she worried more about the burden her illness placed on those she loved than on herself. Her concern for others and her selflessness remained unchanged throughout her life until the very end.

The story of Kelly's life cannot be told without the story of her love for Joe. What started as a teenage romance grew into a lifetime partnership marked by friendship, love, and enduring devotion to one another. They married on September 2, 2000, but had already spent years building a life together. Through every joy and challenge, they remained side by side.

Though Kelly's life was far too short, she was blessed to witness many of life's most meaningful milestones. She watched her daughter, Rose Styron, graduate from college, marry Michael Anese, purchase her first home, and become a mother herself. Kelly took immense pride in her family and especially cherished her role as grandmother to Carter Styron-Smith. One of life's greatest gifts was the opportunity to know and love Carter into his teenage years and to watch him grow into the young man she adored.

Above all else, Kelly devoted her life to the people she loved. She gave freely of herself, offering encouragement, kindness, laughter, and compassion without ever asking for anything in return. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved her, but her example remains. We will remember her beautiful smile, her generous heart, and her ability to bring light into even the most difficult moments. Our lives are richer for having known her, and the blessing of having shared so many years with her is one that will be treasured always.

Kelly is survived by her beloved husband, Joe Styron; her daughter, Rose (Michael Anese) Styron; her grandson, Carter Styron-Smith; her father, Martin (Maryann) Clark Sr.; her brother, Marty Clark; her sister, Jennifer Stasko; and a large circle of family members and friends whose lives were made brighter by her love, kindness, and friendship.

Friends and family will be received Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E Main St, Ravenna, where funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Scott Hindel on Thursday at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Shalersville.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com