Kelley Jo Carter, of Sunman, was born on June 26, 1965, in Connersville, Indiana, a daughter to Donald and Barbara Hammond Bates. She has 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 found her greatest joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life. Kelley cherished every minute spent with her grandchildren and family, creating memories filled with warmth and laughter. A lover of music and the outdoors, she felt most at peace barefoot in the sunshine, surrounded by nature. She took delight in watching butterflies dance among the flowers and made sure her bird feeders were always full, finding quiet happiness in watching the birds from her back porch. Her gentle spirit and love for life’s small wonders will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Kelley took great pride in making people happy – this will live on as she gave back to many through her generous gift of tissue 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. In addition to her parents, Kelley was preceded in death by her Granny Bates; four siblings, Mike Morrow, Nicholas Morrow, Sue Powell, and Rodney Hatch; as well as one uncle, Bud Bates.
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.