Mary A. McKelvey

LANCASTER – Mary A. McKelvey, age 92, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, passed away on April 3, 2026, at Dove Healthcare in Fennimore, Wisconsin. She was born September 9, 1933, the daughter of George Howard and Elizabeth (Watson) Budworth in Beetown Township. Mary graduated from Lancaster High School in 1951. She married Donald J. McKelvey on September 18, 1951, at the Lancaster Congregational Church. During their 74 years together, they built a life on the family farm, where they raised their children and she tended a large garden, and cared for chickens. Mary was an active member of Odd Fellow Lodge #86 in Lancaster and remained a devoted member of the Lancaster Congregational Church throughout her life, beginning with her marriage in 1951. She also served as a superintendent of the Grant County Fair, reflecting her deep commitment to her community.

She is survived by her husband, Donald; children: Bob (Gretta) McKelvey, Ron (Linda) McKelvey, and Nancy (Chuck) Byers; grandchildren: Cindi (Joe) Rogis, Evan (Megan) McKelvey, Cory (Amber) McKelvey, Craig (Ann) McKelvey, and Ben Byers; one step-grandchild; seven great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law; two infant children; siblings: George (Marie) Budworth, Lucille (Ralph) Kasprzak, John (Marcella) Budworth, and Barbara (Francis) Wissbaum; and in-laws: Elaine (Irvin) Reuter and Marian (John) Stuer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster Congregational Church in Lancaster with an Odd Fellow Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Burial will be held at a later date. Family and friends may gather on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dove Healthcare, especially Mary Sarah and Krissy, for the exceptional care and compassion they showed.