Kelley Jo Carter, of Sunman, was born on June 26, 1965, in Connersville, Indiana, a daughter to Donald and Barbara Hammond Bates. She raised three daughters, all of whom she loved dearly. Kelley was sweet and kindhearted and always found the positive traits in someone, no matter how hard that was. She loved spending time with her grandkids and family. She also loved music and being barefoot out in the sunshine enjoying nature. She enjoyed watching butterflies amongst the flowers and birds from the back porch. Kelley took great pride in making people happy – this will live on as she gave back to many through her generous gift of organ donation. On Friday, July 25, 2025, at the age of 60, she passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Kentucky.
Those surviving who will cherish Kelley’s memory include her three loving daughters, Megan (Brian) Maynard, Holly (Bobby) Clark, and Samatha (Joe Ahaus) Carter; grandchildren, Kyla, Nicholas Jr. (Ana), Kirstin, Keegan, Makiha, Tyson, Tristian, Jayden, Karley, Hannah, and Ethan; one great-grandchild, Nicholas III; step-mother, Brenda (Frank Fletcher) Bates; one sister, Donna Bates; one aunt, Wanda Bates; several nieces; one nephew and many special friends.
Friends may visit with the family on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 11a.m. until time of service at 1p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman, Indiana. Pastor Tom Holt will lead the funeral service at 1p.m. at the funeral home with burial immediately following in St. Paul Cemetery, Sunman, Indiana.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the family. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for Kelley and her family.