Veroneze Lavelle (Kellogg) "Kel" Strader

Veroneze LaVelle (Kellogg) Strader (age 78) of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed onward on May 5, 2019. Veroneze was born June 15, 1940 in Petoskey, Michigan, the daughter of Sculptor/Potter Stanley P. Kellogg and Barbara Kellogg Blackmore. She married her college sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Strader in 1965 and they celebrated 53 amazing years together. She is the mother of Eric (Laura) Strader of Plainwell, MI, and Leanne (Tim) Kreps of Bridgewater, VA, and the grandmother of Josie and Calvin Strader and Libby and Andrew Kreps.

Also surviving Veroneze are brothers and sisters, Carl (Carol) Kellogg of Mentor, OH, Hans (Cheryl) Kellogg of Muncie, IN, Joyce Strader Whitted of Chandler, AZ, Jay (Sandie) Blackmore of Waters, MI, Cy (Carolyn) Blackmore of St.Louis, MO, Chris (Judy) Blackmore of Bozeman, MT, and Nancy (Bruce) Hoffman of Edwardsville, IL, plus many nieces and nephews.

Upon graduating from Central Michigan University with a degree in elementary education, Veroneze taught third grade in Flint and Albion, MI. After spending time at home raising her two children, Veroneze became the Coordinator of Visitation for the First United Methodist Church of Battle Creek. During those twelve years she developed a model program of ministry reaching out to older adults titled "Shepherding Visitation." Alongside of a staff of eight volunteers she visited or called on over eighty folks each week and organized social events, meals and trips throughout the year.

Veroneze served for many years as president of local units of United Methodist Women and two, three year terms as president of the Albion District United Methodist Women. During that time she took part in many state and national events. She was proud that United Methodist Women is always a risk taking advocate for women and children everywhere.. As an active member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, Veroneze, along with her husband, attended three General Conferences of The United Methodist Church serving on the Love Your Neighbor Coalition as an ally for the LGBTQ community.

In 2003 Veroneze became a founding member of the Battle Creek Voices of Peace. Serving as co-chair through the years she helped to organize community peace vigils and educational programs to promote a peaceful, non-violent world . She was an active member of the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and served on the annual United Methodist Keep Making Peace Conference for many years. In 2016 Veroneze was presented the West Michigan United Methodist Peacemaker of the Year Award for her ongoing work in peace and social justice. Veroneze was active on numerous church committees and boards through the years. Most recently she led the hospitality team and Fairly Traded Coffee/Tea/Chocolate Project at the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek.

A Celebration of Veroneze Strader's Life will take place on Saturday May 18, 2019 at the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, 145 Capital Avenue, N. E. Battle Creek, MI 49017. There will be a time of informal gathering with the family at 3:00pm with the service at 4:00pm. Following the service there will be a catered supper at 5:00pm in the courtyard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests folks to please consider a gift to United Methodist Women Legacy Fund or The First Congregational Church of Battle Creek Hospitality Fund. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages and or favorite memories may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.