Rachel Birely 96 passed away November 14,2024 of natural causes. Rachel was born in Boston to Simon and Mary Keleel. The family moved to Detroit where she grew up in the shadows of Briggs Stadium. It was in Detroit while working for Mrs. Wagoner pies she met and married Charles Birely. They went on to have three children, Karen, Daryl and Jody.

Rachel's hobbies included bowling and gardening and in the summer camping all over the state of Michigan. It was during those camping trips that they fell in love with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They eventually found land and built a house on one of their favorite takes, Lake Gogebic, making it their retirement home.

Once moved to the UP Rachel continued bowling and gardening but also became a member of the Lake Gogebic Fireflies, an auxiliary of the Lake Gogebic Fire Department. She really enjoyed the sistership, activities, and the support it provided for the Fire department.

Rachel was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband Charles, Sister Evon (Haddad), Brothers Keno, Abe, and David (Keleel).

She is survived by her sister Rose Keleel (John), Daughters Karen Birely and Jody Kalis, Son Daryl (Renee) Birely. Grand Children Holly (Mark)Urbis, Christine and Bruce Kalis and Great grandchildren Gatlin and Caymin Urbis, sister-in-law Judy Keleel and numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Rachel's wishes she will be cremated and buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery with her husband.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lake Gogebic Fireflies, N 11027 East Shore Rd, Marenisco, MI 49947 or the Ontonagon County Cancer association.

Ontonagon County Cancer Association
P O Box 282, Ontonagon MI 49953
Web: http://ontctycancer.org

Lake Gogebic Fireflies
N11027 East Shore Rd., Marenisco MI 49947