Katrina Kelley Pranger

October 9, 1971 - June 8, 2011

Katrina Kelley Pranger passed away unexpectedly on June 8th, 2011 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was 39. Katrina was born October 9, 1971, at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac, to Russell and Candice Kelley. Katrina attended and graduated from Cadillac High School in 1989. Katrina attended Grand Valley State University for 1 year, and later received her Cosmetology license from Cadillac Academy of Beauty. A woman of many talents and unnerving confidence, Katrina enjoyed success in many careers including sales at Henne\'s Shoes, Airport Animal Clinic, Cellular One and the Cadillac News. At Cellular One she was awarded the Presidents Club and Circle of Excellence every year of her employment. Her current job as Office Manager was at Smiles By Design, a dental office located in Grand Rapids. She was also an active member of the Cadillac community, long-time member of BNI and graduate of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. Katrina\'s infectious personality and smile had the ability to bring laughter and comfort to any situation. By nature, she welcomed anyone and everyone believing in the best and bringing out the very best in each of them. While she enjoyed bike riding, swimming, tennis and gardening, she enjoyed nothing more than to just \'hang out\' with the people she loved. In 2005 she reunited with a lifetime friend, Shane Pranger. She met her match in humor, wit and tenacity. They married in 2006 and began to live out a love that so many dream of having. Katrina & Shane enjoyed exploring the small towns of Northern and West Michigan like Glen Arbor, Northport, Charlevoix, Grand Haven and South Haven. They also spent much of their time visiting family and loving their dogs. Katrina\'s favorite role as wife was matched only by her love of being \"Aunt Katrina,\" Mama to her puppies, Keeley and Finley, and being a faithful and encouraging friend to all who knew her. Unwavering in spirit and kindness, Katrina was a diamond in the rough, a rare gem, not easily found, and never replaceable. Katrina\'s life motto was, \"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.\" We honor her today in hopes of embracing that same strength as we continue on this journey without her. Katrina will be greatly missed by her Husband, Shane Pranger; Parents, Russ & Candy Kelley; Brother, Kasey (Lynn) Kelley; Niece, Teaghan Kelley; Nephews, Klay, Chase and Karson Kelley; Grandfather, Charles R. Kelley; Aunt, Penny Kelley McRae; Uncle Charlie (Cindy) Kelley, and many cousins. Father and Mother in law, Robert & Rosemary Pranger; The Petaja family: Shannon (Jim), Shea, Tec (Chelsea) and McKrai; The Hamlet family; Kelley (Mike), Meaghan, Casper (Jess), Piper (Doug) & Corban; Dr. Rory Pranger (Joyce Kopp); The Suitor family: Shaunne, Teague & Rory; and a very special friend, Denise Hartsell. On Wednesday morning, Katrina was reunited with her Grandmothers, Blenda Campbell Marsh, who passed away on June 8, 2007 and Norma Kelley, who passed away on Sept. 2, 1989 and her Grandfather, Verdon Campbell, who passed away on June 28 1979. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Monday June 13, 2011 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac, Michigan with Rev. Fr. Santiago Hoyumpa as celebrant. Her final resting place will be Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. Visitation will be held at Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac, Michigan on Sunday, June 12, from 4-7 PM and from 10 AM until services at church on Monday. In her honor of Katrina, donations may be made to: Wexford County Animal Shelter. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.