Kelly Michelle Maloy

Kelly Michelle Maloy, age 58 of Columbia City, IN passed away at 9:50 am on Thursday April 24th, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne surrounded by her loving husband of 37 years and two daughters. Kelly was born on June 3rd, 1966, in Fort Wayne, IN and was the daughter of George and Konnie (Kumfer) Lutz.

Kelly attended Columbia City Joint High School. She was a graduate with the class of 1984. During her high school years, she met what would be the love of her life. Kelly and Sam had their first date on March 10th, 1983, and Kelly described this date of the best day of her life. Their favorite date was to brownie the town. They also loved hanging out with their friends and going to the movies. Their love story blossomed from there and led to their marriage on June 27, 1987. They were united in marriage at First Church of God in Columbia City.

In 1990 they welcomed their first daughter Samantha into the world. At this time Kelly decided to open her home up and provide childcare to the children of Columbia City while also raising their daughter. Kelly helped shape the lives of many children during her years as a child care provider. She loved every child that walked through her door. She also loved those children’s families like they were her own family.

In 1996 they welcomed their second daughter Sydney into the world, which completed their family. Kelly continued to shape countless lives throughout the years providing child care. She later became a hostess at Carousel Hair Care and a bartender at the Columbia City Elks where she was a smiling face and loyal friend to all. She had a passion for caring for others and had a way of always making everyone feel loved. Her first grandchild Hayden arrived in 2010, making her a Mimi, and she decided to be his caretaker. She had two more grandchildren arrive in 2012 (Remi) and 2014 (Laiyn) and she was also the caretaker for them for many years. She loved her Trio so much; they were the light of her life. After her grandchildren got older, Kelly decided to continue caring for children by watching her great-nephews “The Knach” boys. Ryatt and Ridge were also the light of her life.

Her compassion didn’t end there. Kelly assisted with getting donations for the Wreaths Across America campaign and placing the wreaths on the tombstones of our fallen soldiers. She assisted with the Columbia City Veterans Day marathon. Kelly helped create the Skeleton Festival and assisted with the Santa Skate night. She was the creator of Kelly’s Krew, which traveled to Fort Wayne monthly with food and clothes to help feed and clothe those in need. Kelly’s Krew also helped local families that were struggling. She was a part in planning a lot of local events over the years. Kelly had a love for summer, the beach and flip flops. If you ran into her around town she was always in a hat and flip flops with her wrist full of bracelets.

In early years Kelly enjoyed going to the sand dunes and tent camping with family and friends and also enjoyed hosting friends and family at her pool. She loved decorating for Halloween and coming up with matching family costumes. Kelly planned many family vacations over the years. Kelly enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners for her family and hosting game night. She loved country drives with her husband and golf cart rides around town. She enjoyed Karaoke; her favorite song was Dancing Queen. Kelly enjoyed doing paranormal activities with her daughters and their friends. She also loved porch sitting and hanging out by a bonfire with family and friends. Kelly knew no strangers and was a friend to everyone. Kelly used the motto Be Kind in her everyday life. She was a walking ray of sunshine who would help anyone in need no matter what.

Kelly was a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1417, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5582 and American Legion Post #98 of Columbia City. Kelly was the recipient of the Heart of Gold award in 2014.

Survivors include her husband Samuel Maloy of Columbia City; daughter Samantha (Kyle) Barnett and Sydney Maloy, both of Columbia City. Her pride and joy “The Trio” – grandson Hayden and granddaughters Remi and Laiyn Barnett all of Columbia City; her parents George and Konnie Lutz of Columbia City; sister Kim (Chad) Foulks of Columbia City. And several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents. Her best friend of 17 years, her dog Ranger, was waiting for her on the other side to meet her with love, licks and tail wags.

A celebration of life for Kelly will be held on Saturday June 28, 2025, at the Mizpah Shrine Horse Patrol located at 985 North State Road 9, Columbia City. The celebration will be open house style from 11am-5pm, with food available from 12pm-2pm. The family requests you wear your Show the World How to Be Kind  #Kelly’s Krew shirts if you purchased one.

Arrangements by DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive Columbia City.

Memorial contributions in memory of Kelly can be made to the family to be used towards her legacy of Kelly’s Krew, ovarian cancer research and any medical expenses.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com  to send the family condolences or to sign the online guest register.