Kelli M. DeWitt
June 16, 1962 – January 24, 2026
In accordance with her wish cremation will take place and a “Kelli-bration” to honor and celebrate her life will be held in the summer, date and time to be announced. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Centrica Care Navigators Hospice, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Kelli Michelle DeWitt (née Hutchinson) passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on January 24, 2026.
She was born on June 16, 1962, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Patricia McQuern (née Armstrong; formerly Hutchinson) and John Michael Hutchinson. Her parents later remarried — her mother to Gerald McQuern and her father to Gail Hutchinson. She was a beloved and proud older sister to Michael (Danielle) Hutchinson and John (Dana) Hutchinson. Kelli attended Battle Creek Lakeview High School and later graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Real Estate Finance.
In 1989, Kelli married the love of her life, Michael DeWitt. Together they built an incredible life as true partners and best friends. She was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Alexandra (Christian Estrada) DeWitt and MacKenzie (Joshua) Flint, who were the center of her world. Becoming “Grammy” brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandson, Isaac Michael Estrada, born August 31, 2025.
Kelli worked incredibly hard throughout her life, building a successful career spanning more than 40 years in the mortgage industry, including time spent as an adjunct professor of finance. Tireless in all she did, she poured herself into her career and serving the Kalamazoo community but never missed her daughters’ academic or athletic events… laptop often in tow. After retiring in 2023, she and Mike spent winters in The Villages, Florida, where Kelli quickly formed friendships and built community wherever she went.
What people will remember most about Kelli is her generosity: of time, energy, and heart. She had a rare ability to make everyone feel valued and special; people were drawn to her openness and warmth, as well as to her loud, distinctive laugh. She was wonderfully fun and unpredictable, always keeping people on their toes. Everyone who knew her has at least one outrageous or endearing story to share, each one a reminder of just how unforgettable she was.
Kelli loved skiing, pickleball, platform tennis, art fairs, live music, reading, traveling, board and card games, and never passed up a chance to get ice cream. She also loved bright colors and had a gift for discovering eclectic art that somehow always worked perfectly in her home. Impulsive in the best way, she was never afraid to grab a can of bold paint and reinvent a corner of the house on a weekend… usually while Mike was out of town.
Most of all, Kelli loved spending time with her family and friends: from beach days in South Haven driving up and down the coast in her sky blue ’79 VW Beetle convertible, to relaxing and enjoying the sun in Cabo, to skiing (and trying, but failing, to snowboard) out West, to game nights where she occasionally made up her own rules.
Kelli’s legacy lives on in the people who loved her and the countless lives she has touched. She lived fully, loved deeply, and will be missed more than words can say.
To Kelli’s Entire Family, I know I’ve said it before, but I love you ALL and I’m so very sad for this huge loss. As you know Kelli and I were best friends for 51 years. So many memories and moments we shared during that time. I can still remember when Kelli asked me to her maid of honor when her and Mike got married. What a honor that truly was. I also want to thank Mike for giving both Kelli and I such a precious time together before her passing. I will truly hold on to that in my heart forever. On Saturday morning, I just couldn’t say goodbye to Kelli, that’s just to final for me. I told her I would see her in heaven, because I know she will be waiting for me. As my plane lifted off for me to return home, I looked out on the plane window and I could feel she was leaving this world and it became true when I landed. Our sweet Kelli had gained her wings on Saturday. That is how connected we always seemed to be. This loss has broken me to my core. I know not even time will I ever be able to get over Kelli not being here. We wanted to grow old together. I still can’t believe I will never see my best friend again in this lifetime and I’m her without her. I miss her already, her adorable smile, wonderful sense of humor and her thoughtfulness and kindness. Kelli, you are so deeply missed and always will be until we see each other again best friend. I love you Kelli. Always have and always will forever.
Dear Mike and family, You have my deepest and most sincere sympathy you are sitting through a terrible heartache. I am so so sorry.. Kelli was my next-door neighbor. She was kind sweet, very caring the kind of person everyone wants to know and have as a special friend. I am absolutely shocked by her loss.. I couldn’t ask for a better neighbor than Kelly. I remember how excited she was to become a Grammy. She shared pictures of Isaac with me. She had so much love and all over him..
Two great people. So glad for the little time you did have in retirement. It was way too short for sure. Kelli was a wonderful person and will be missed by everyone who knew her. Mike, our thoughts are with you and the family.
So sad to lose Kelli, she always had a warm, friendly smile for all the folks she knew and even for those she didn’t know yet! Her kindness was contagious. The real estate industry and the world will miss her here on earth, but now she will brighten up and serve in heaven. Rest in Peace.