Myrtle R. Kelan

Mrytle Ruth Kelan, 92 of Tampa,Fl. Passed away on June 6, 2017 with her family by her side. She was born on April 17, 1925 to the late Martha Jane and Andrew Jackson Frier in Dover, Fl. She was the last survivor of 17 children and was preceded in death by Five Son N Laws - ( John LeBlanc, Michael Earl Noah, Mike Camper, Frank Harper, Buddy Walters) - One Grandson - ( David Poole) and One Great Grandson ( Jackson Michael Noah). She graduated from Turkey Creek High. Myrtle married the late Stanley John Kelan. They were happily married for 43 years and she is survived by her five children – Elizabeth LeBlanc, Barbara Noah, Rose Camper, Eva Wade – (Ron) and John Kelan. Nine Grandchildren – Ginny Murray – (John), Bobby Harper - (Kim Alexander), Scott Noah – (Janette), Tina Walters, Greg Harper, Melissa Walters, Dee Baker, John Michael Kelan – (Onya), Travis Michael Noah Eleven Great Grandchildren – Dawn Fox – (Joe), Taneisha Alexander, Chris Harper, Brandon Osborn, Marcus Harper, Jasmine Harper, Cody Kelan, Nikki Baker, Devin Wharton, Aden Wharton, Lexi Walters One Great, Great Grandchild – J. J. Fox She lived for her family and friends. Services will be held Sunday June 11, 2017 at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home – viewing at 1 PM and service at 2 PM. She is loved and missed by all. Myrtle Ruth Kelan The end of the innocence occurred on June 6, 2017 -The day my Grandma passed away and with her went the last vestige of a moral compass that always pointed to a true home where time stood still and a place where your mind was flooded with fond memories of an unwavering love. I always knew where to go when I was wading in troubled waters - my compass led me to my Grandma's house where the smell of coffee brewing in the morning or a pot of spaghetti cooking on a stove all day long overwhelmed my senses and took me back to the innocence of my youth. There was a beautiful simplicity to spending time with my Grandma at her house whether I was in the dining room watching her work a jigsaw puzzle or in the living room watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special that gave me an undeniable since of peace and comfort. My Grandma welcomed everyone regardless of the person's financial status, color of skin, religious preference or ethnicity to her old, unassuming and modest home. I always thought of her and her home similarly to the way many think of the Statue of Liberty - only for me it was relocated from Liberty Island, NY. to Tampa, Florida. I will miss all the coversations on the back porch which was the epicenter of her home because it reminded me of an America that has long since faded. My Grandma's back porch was a place to visit one another, vent your frustrations, reminisce and catch up on all the family gossip - to say I will miss that is a drastic understatement. Myrtle Kelan's home was a place that was unaffected by time and and modern inconveniences - such as wi-fi, computers, security systems and lavish material possessions and in it's place was an indelible and resounding truth that reverberates with great intensity about love, simplicity, acceptance and humility. My Grandma reflected the message of Jesus by living as a humble servant to the Lord without seeking praise. I remember how much my Dad ( Michael Noah ) always enjoyed my Grandma's presence even when he was in his final days - because she brought peace and comfort to him and above all else he repected her honesty and humility. I simply can't find an adjective to describe my appreciation for the time she spent with me every summer and all through the year. She would take my cousins and I to the Great Smokey Mountains, Pennsylvania, Hillsborough River State Park, Philippe Park, Medard Park, Chesnut Park, Lowry Park, Ben T. Davis Causeway Beach and the Kapok Tree Restaurant especially with her very limited budget. She also took my cousins and I to Dr. McEachern's office when we were sick and visited me at St. Joseph's Hospital on numerous occasions. She was always there for me and for all of my family whether times were good or bad. I have especially fond memories of Christmas Eve at my Grandma's with all of my family year after year. I know she lived her life well and with purpose which was evidenced by the care she received from my Mom ( Barbara Noah ) and my Aunts ( Liz LeBlanc, Rose Camper and Eva Wade ) plus my Uncle ( John Kelan ) who checked on her daily without exception. I witnessed the devotion of a family and a combined effort to assist my Grandma through years of immobilization. I would like to express my gratitude to my Mom for her compassionate and unwavering care that she gave my Grandma and to my Aunts and Uncle through years of hardship that my Grandma endured. It took a whole family that was raised by my Grandma and Grandpa to achieve such a difficult task through numerous adversities, but they did it because they loved their Mom and that in and of itself is a testament to my grandma and a job well done. I was truly blessed to have the honor to call Myrtle Ruth Kelan my Grandma. I Love You and will miss you until the day I die - but I know we will meet again some sunny day, With Love Always, Christopher Scott Noah