09/22/2025
Kellie Jean O’Rear Baty was born on December 23, 1962, and passed away on September 21st, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family.
Above all, Kellie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Kellie married Walt Baty in July of 1987. They had a wonderful 38-year-long marriage where they built their dream home, worked their farm together, and made many wonderful memories. Kellie loved to be with her daughter Stephanie and her four grandchildren. She traveled to Washington State faithfully to attend their birthdays and various activities. The family looked forward to Nana Kellie’s visits and enjoyed numerous vacations and adventures together.
Kellie was steadfast in her faith and attended Liberty Hill Baptist Church for the past 20 years. She often played the piano, loved the music service and enjoyed cooking for the fellowship services.
Kellie grew up in the Dreka community, and she attended Shelbyville ISD before continuing her education at Panola Junior College. There she developed her cosmetology skills and went on to open beauty shops in both Shelbyville and Center. Known for her creativity and warm spirit, she built lifelong friendships through her work.
In 2020, Kellie followed her heart into a new path of service. She became the Activity Director at Pine Grove Nursing Home and later Holiday Nursing Home, where she found her true calling. She devoted herself to bringing joy to the residents, treating each one as family. Her compassion, kindness, and ability to make people feel special touched countless lives.
Kellie was gifted in many ways. She was an excellent cook—her biscuits and pies were famous and drew friends and family from near and far. She had an incredible green thumb, and her love for nurturing life extended into her gardens. Music also filled her home, as she often played the piano with joy for churches and the nursing home. Kellie was also an excellent seamstress, oil canvas artist, and she LOVED to fish. She cherished snuggles time with her puppy dogs! More than anything, Kellie was a friend to everyone- her laughter and personality were bigger than life.
She is survived by:
Her loving husband, Walt Baty
Daughter, Stephanie Zipperer, and husband, Justin
Cherished grandchildren:
Colton Moore
Montana Moore
Devyn Zipperer
Hayden Zipperer
Mother, Jean O’Rear
Brother, Jack O’Rear
Mother-in-law, Mary Jo Baty
Brother-in-law, Will Baty, and wife, Jill
Niece, Ali Baty
Nephew, Wade Baty, and wife Madelynn
Great-nephew, Wryder
Treasured pets, LulaBelle and Precious
She was preceded in death by her father, Kelly O’Rear; uncle and aunt, Donald and Lois O’Rear; and father-in-law, Harold Baty.
Kellie’s life was one of love, service, and faith, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
There will be a visitation at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in San Augustine, TX on September 27, 2025, with a visitation from 10-11am. A formal service will follow at 11am.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Kellie Baty Memorial Fund at Shelby Savings Bank.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
