Ethel May Kelley, daughter of Dr. Louis Lorenzo (1848-1935) and Ida May (Bradbeer) (1878-1954) Kelley, was born 5 January 1918 Farwell, Clare County, Michigan. She graduated in 1933 from Okemos High School and went on to further her education at Acme Business College in Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan. On 24 September 1938, Okemos, Ingham County, Ethel married Rex Owen Wilkins. Rex was a 1931 OHS graduate.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Monday 26 September 1938
COUPLE SAY VOWS AT BRIDE'S HOME
Miss Ethel M. Kelly, daughter of Mrs. Ida Kelley of Okemos, and Rex O. Wilkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Wilkins of Mason, were united in marriage Saturday evening at the home of the bride.
A gown of brown lace over brown satin and a bouquet of Johanna Hill roses were chosen by the bride. Miss Thelma Whiting of Okemos, the maid of honor, wore teal blue, in contrast with the autumn floral decorations. Dick Wever of Detroit was groomsman.
The Rev. Myron Hoyt of Okemos Community church read the service before a group of 25 guests. Miss Margaret Kelley played the wedding march.
The bridegroom was graduated from Michigan State college.
Ethel and Rex celebrated 53 years and the birth of 3 children together. Ethel died 29 September 1991, Emmet County, Michigan. Rex, born 23 August 1913, Mason, Ingham County, died 11 November 2012, Cheboygan County, Michigan. Ethel and Rex were interred Leek Cemetery, Okemos.
The Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 1 October 1991
ETHEL M. WILKINS
CHEBOYGAN
Age 75, died Sunday, September 29, 1991 in Petoskey. She was born January 5, 1916 in Farwell; attended Okemos schools, graduating in 1933, and Acme Business College in Lansing. She lived in Okemos most of her life, residing a few years in Grand Rapids prior to moving to Cheboygan in 1978. She was married for 53 years to Rex O. Wilkins. She was loved and admired by her husband, family and friends for her love of people and her uplifting attitude toward life. She is survived by her husband; son, Kim Wilkins and wife Mary Jean; grandchildren, Kelley and James; son, Keith Wilkins and wife Ingrid; grandchildren, Stephanie and Natalie; daughter, Mary Clausen; grandchildren, Gregg and Eric; 1 sister, Margaret Eno; several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 3, at the Okemos Community church with Rev. David Evans officiating.